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Feral Animals

About feral animals

Feral animals include rabbits, foxes, feral cats, pigs, goats, deer and less so Rainbow lorikeets.

Feral animals include many non-native or introduced vertebrate animals that have become established as unmanaged or feral populations. These animals have become pests locally or over wider areas.

The reasons why they are pests include:

  • Preying on domestic or farm animals.
  • Damaging crops and food production.
  • Posing a threat to native animals and ecosystems.
  • Being a nuisance and health hazard to people.

Some commonly kept animals have the potential to become pests if they are not managed or kept under licence or conditions.

Government's role in managing pests and feral animals

The Shire manage feral animals if they are on Shire managed or owned land only, but not on private, State Government or utilities land eg Water Corporation, Harvey Water, Railway. 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development manages pests and feral animals in Western Australia under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. This is done through policy development, risk assessment, research and development, provision of technical advice and information, implementation of regulation, emergency response, property inspections, industry liaison, and the planning and coordination of significant species control/eradication programs.

For advice on pests and feral animals visit the DPIRD website or contact the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group

State Government has introduced Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs), which are community-based biosecurity groups that help landholders manage declared pests and feral animals on their properties. 

The Groups operations are based on pests that are the biggest problem in their area, based on feedback and suggestions from the community, to make sure they reflect community need.

In our area the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) operates across the five local government areas of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Mandurah, Murray, Waroona and Harvey.

Complaints in regard to pests on private property should be reported to the PHBG via the PHBG website.

Hire of animal traps

Shire Rangers hire out small animal traps, which are suitable for trapping feral cats.

More information and contacts

For more information please contact us.

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