Feral animals
Species currently declared pests in NSW are:
- Wild rabbits
- Wild dogs (dingo, half-breed dingo or a domestic dog that has gone wild)
- Feral pigs
- A number of locust species (the Australian Plague, Spur-Throated and Migratory).
Not all pest animals are declared. Foxes, indian myna birds, rats and feral cats are considered nuisance animals, though are not declared pests. Council is under no obligation to control them on Council land. Local Livestock Health and Pest Authorities can provide advice and assistance in their control.
Rabbits
The Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) do not investigate rabbits on blocks less than 10 hectares. Baiting of rabbits is not permitted on blocks smaller than 1000sqm, ruling out most urban blocks.
Council will only investigate reports of rabbits on council land where rabbit warrens are evident. Baiting on our reserves will only occur if the rabbits are living there and the damage caused is significant. When baiting is carried out, signs are erected and local vets advised in the event a dog or cat eats the bait.
If you have a rabbit problem you can trap them. The best bait to use is moist green lucerne.
Pigs
Feral pigs on private property should be referred to the Livestock Health and Pest Authority at Maitland on (02) 4932 8866.