Feral Cats
We have a feral cat program. For further information contact Customer Service.
Magpies
Ducking magpies? Check out the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Swooping Birds webpage for useful information and tips on protecting yourself.
Foxes
Foxes are declared a pest animal under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under this law, you must prevent the spread of foxes on land you own and, as far as possible, remove foxes from your property.
To discourage foxes from your property:
- don’t leave pet food in outdoor areas
- clean up fallen fruit from trees
- use a compost bin or cover your compost heap
- keep chickens and guinea pigs in secure, roofed coops
- don’t leave objects for foxes to climb over onto neighbouring properties
- restrict access to underneath the house
- If you see a fox, advise your neighbours so they too can take preventative action.
Wild populations of the red fox have been present in Melbourne since the 1930s. They prey on small mammals, with a mature fox capable of killing up to 3000 native animals a year. They also scavenge for carrion, fruit and food scraps.
Foxes can roam up to 10 kilometres and will use multiple dens at different times in their lives. Because of this, it’s not possible to associate an incident with an individual den or fox.
In general, foxes are timid, will flee when disturbed, and are not considered to be a concern in relation to attacks or bites on people. They are not associated with transmission of disease in humans and do not present a significant public health issue.
Council does not manage or remove foxes on private property. For more information on fox control, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
Snakes
See our Snake Information page - including information on our snake catcher service.
Rabbits
Under the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) we legally have to control rabbits on Council owned and managed land.
For long term success we have a yearly rabbit control program focusing on
- reducing rabbit numbers and distribution;
- harbour removal; and
- deactivating warrens.
Rabbits and the Environment
Our program is a key part of our Biodiversity Strategy. It is essential to help manage and conserve Brimbank’s unique landscape.
Reducing rabbit numbers helps native plants regrow. We regularly check where rabbit numbers are high and are having a detrimental effect on the environment.
In these areas we focus on warren deactivation and harbour removal. We may use baiting if needed.
Baiting
Rabbit control in urban areas is difficult. Shooting or poisoning with 1080 isn’t possible. Baiting can quickly reduce numbers. We usually bait from February to April , pending seasonal factors.
The bait used is Pindone on carrots. Pindone is the only poison that can be used in urban areas because it has an antidote (vitamin K1) for any “off-target” poisoning.
All areas baited are clearly marked with signs showing start and end dates. We also notify nearby residents via mail.
If you’re near these areas with your dog we suggest keeping your dog on a leash at all times, even in “off-leash” areas.
Wildlife Rescue
Wildlife Victoria rescue injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Whenever possible, they return healthy animals to the wild. Call their Emergency Response Service on 8400 7300, 7 days a week.
Wildlife Rescuers offer a 24 hour volunteer service on 0417 506 941 or 1300 094 535. Wildlife Rescuers is staffed by volunteers.