Pest control operation to begin at Riverside Reserve in Balclutha
A pest control operation at Riverside Reserve in Balclutha will start on Wednesday 10 July.
Dog walkers are also advised to avoid the pest control area and always keep dogs on a leash in the surrounding areas from July 10 until early October.
The operation will use pindone laced carrots to target high rabbit numbers in this area. The carrots will be dyed green, so they are easily identified. People should avoid touching these.
Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Jules Witt said “Our contractors will distribute two applications of carrots poisoned with Pindone in the fenced motocross area and at the aerodrome during this period. People should keep dogs away until early October to allow time for the bait to disperse.”
“We are advising people to avoid walking dogs in the pest control area (the motocross area and aerodrome) during this pest control period and ask that dogs are kept on a lead in any surrounding areas.
“Depending how much they eat, Pindone can make dogs very sick or could be fatal.
“If you have any concerns, please contact your vet immediately who will have stocks of the antidote, Vitamin K. This needs to be administered without delay.”
The pest control work was aimed to help Council keep feral rabbit numbers below the required level set in the New Zealand Biosecurity Act.
Warning signs will be erected in advance of the poisoning to ensure people are aware of where it has been distributed.
Mr Witt said generally, rabbits will die in their burrows after eating pindone, however there may be some who die out in the open.
Pindone carrots are used in winter as food sources are most scarce and fewer young rabbits are present.
