What are your responsibilities? Where to take unwanted rabbits Residents should realistically consider the demands of owning a pet rabbit before purchasing. The Porche’s Small Animal 9481 8517// release or dumping of any domestic animal is Rescue, Thornleigh. 0403 155 810 Feral Animals illegal. Unwanted rabbits should be re-homed Animal Welfare League, 8899 3333// thoughtfully. Ingleside. 9913 8731 The National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) , R.S.P.C.A Animals 9770 7555 prohibits the release without a license, of any Shelter, Yagoona. Rabbits animal not native to NSW (except a homing pigeon) The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979), Where to get further information states that a person shall not abandon an animal. Maximum penalty $5500 or 6 months imprisonment. Hornsby Council 9847 6666 The Rural Lands Protection Act (1998), requires Hunters Hill Council 9424 0844 occupiers of public and private land to “fully and Council 9911 3555 continuously suppress and destroy” rabbits on their land. 8966 3854 Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 9978 4025 1992 lists ‘Competition and Land degradation by National Parks 9472 8953 feral rabbits’ as a Key Threatening Process. North Region Control feral rabbits on your own property. Consider Council 9970 1111 working with your neighbours to achieve better Cumberland Livestock 4655 9165 control. Health & Pest Authority Sydney Harbour 9960 6266 National Park 9942 2111 Ku-ring-gai Council 94240888 Willoughby Council 9777 1000 9952 8222 Photo by Richard Ali. The Hills Council 9843 0555 Photo bySteve Parker The RabbitTips Problem For Inside in Damage Caused by Rabbits Rabbit Control

From an original 24 rabbits released in Victoria in Rabbits:- In response to growing community concern and 1859, Australia is now home to the largest feral environmental damage, local authorities carry out • Damage native vegetation communities, such rabbit population in the world. Rabbits invaded as open forest woodlands, headlands and dune control programs, which include: Australia faster than any other mammal on any systems, by grazing, digging and increasing other continent. nutrients. 1. Biological controls, including Myxomatosis and Rabbits are recognised as a pest animal under • Dig warrens and holes in bushland, gardens, rabbit Calicivirus the Rural Lands Protection Act (1998). Rabbits are playing fields, under houses and other structures. 2. Cage trapping well adapted to harsh Australian conditions and • Reduce native plant diversity by eating native 3. Warren destruction and fumigation populations multiply rapidly when conditions are seedlings. favourable. • Increase erosion by grazing and digging, 4. Co-ordinated baiting programs using Pindone expecially after fire. 5. Shooting • Compete with native animals for food and shelter resources. • Destroy lawns, garden plants and seedlings. Rabbits are difficult to control in urban areas, and Small bushland reserves adjacent to parkland control is most effective when carried out in a co- and private properties are often the most severely ordinated manner. affected areas in the Region. Northern Sydney Region Pet Rabbits

Feral rabbits appear to be increasing in the The amount of care required by rabbits is often Northern Sydney Region. Local residents are underestimated. They can easily escape if secure reporting rabbits in many suburban gardens and housing is not provided. along the bushland interface.

Photo by Richard Ali. A high percentage of these rabbits appear to be of • Ensure pet rabbits are properly contained. domestic origin. This is a direct result of releasing • Have your pet rabbits sterilised. unwanted rabbits into suburban and bushland areas.