Pest Animals

Dogs, Cats and Horses

Dogs and cats hugely impact on Maroondah's natural bushland areas. Their presence alone causes great stress to the local wildlife, as does the scent they leave behind. Their droppings act as a fertiliser for weeds, which can wipe out large areas of indigenous vegetation. Droppings can also be directly harmful to indigenous plants, as they are naturally adapted to low nutrient soils.

Dog and cat fur tends to attract seed of exotic plant species, spreading weeds into natural bushland areas and impacting on indigenous vegetation. Dogs and cats are also known to dig up, tread on and eat indigenous plant species, adding to the loss of indigenous orchids and other natural vegetation.

Dogs and in particular cats, are capable of killing large numbers of wildlife. Cats are opportunist hunters, their prime hunting time being at night. A bell fitted to their collar has proved largely unsuccessful as a warning to wildlife. In areas where native animals are abundant, such as bushland reserves and parks, dogs and cats will catch mostly native animals.

Under law, owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and fines can be issued if the owner does not comply. It is illegal in some areas for dogs to be off leash and furthermore, under the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994, dogs must be under the effective control of their owner. It is recommended, however, that in ALL 'bushland' areas, dogs should be on a leash for the benefit of other people and the environment. It is also recommended that your feline be kept inside overnight for its own safety and that of native wildlife. Cats and dogs should be kept out of bushland reserves.

Horses have an inefficient digestive system which allows intact seeds to pass through without loss of viability, so horse droppings contain fertile weed seed which germinates and grows rapidly because the manure is an excellent source of nutrients. Their hooves lead to soil compaction and erosion, which also affects the natural vegetation. Australian plants and soil are not accustomed to hooved animals, as no native-Australian animal has hooves.

Foxes and Rabbits

Foxes and rabbits were introduced into Australia and released to provide hunting opportunities for farmers. Some escaped from captivity whilst others were merely abandoned when they were no longer needed. They spread weeds, out-compete native animals for habitat and create erosion problems. Rabbits in particular consume large amounts of vegetation, stunting plant growth and causing the death of sensitive plant populations.

Foxes are recognised as one of the major causes of population decline in certain native wildlife. Australian animals have not developed suitable strategies to avoid predation, as they did not evolve with foxes present.

Maroondah City Council tends to use environmentally friendly methods of vermin control such as netting.

For further information please contact the Bushland Team on 1300 88 22 33.