Wildlife problems

We have a feral cat program. For more information call our Customer Service team on 03 9249 4000.

If you are experiencing noise related problems with a dog in your area, visit our Barking dogs page for guidance. 

Call us on 03 9249 4000 or use our online Report it form to notify us as soon as possible if you or your pet is attacked by a dog.  

Ducking magpies? Visit the DELWP swooping birds webpage for useful information and tips on protecting yourself.

Foxes are declared a pest animal under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic). Under this law, you must prevent the spread of foxes on land you own and remove them from your property, where possible.

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.

We do not manage or remove foxes on private property. For more information on fox control, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) (Vic) 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.

Our rabbit control 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. 

Rabbit control in urban areas is difficult as shooting or poisoning with 1080 isn’t possible. Baiting is undertaken from February to April, weather permitting, as an effective way to quickly reduce numbers.

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).

If you see a snake on your property, do not attempt to remove it yourself. 

We have a no-charge professional snake catching service to remove snakes from residential properties within Brimbank.

The service is available seven days a week, including after hours by calling 03 9249 4000.

Remember! Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic). It is illegal to capture, kill or harm them. 

What happens after you call?

An on-call snake catcher will be dispatched to your location as quickly as possible. Arrival times may vary depending on demand and the time of the call.

While you wait, keep an eye on the snake from a safe distance so that it can be captured promptly.

We won't send a snake catcher if:

• The premises is industrial or commercial.
• The snake's location is unknown.
• The snake was last seen 30 minutes before the call.
• The property's resident/occupier isn't home.

Our most common snakes are the Brown and Tiger snakes.

The Tiger Snake can be identified by green or black coloured stripes. Tiger snakes are generally frightened of us, and will move away when disturbed. 

The Brown Snake can be identified by its silvery to chocolate brown colourings, and has a very small head. Brown snakes can be more aggressive when approached.

If you come across a snake on your property:

• Don't touch the snake!
• Watch it from a safe distance.
• Safely remove any people or pets from the area.
• If you can see the snake, call us on 03 9249 4000 to arrange for our professional snake catcher to come to your home to remove it.

Helpful hints to keep your home safe

• Clean up around your house. Keep your grass and lawns cut short.
• Don't leave stacks of timber or sheets of iron lying about. These are ideal temporary habitats.
• Tell your kids that if they see a snake, to stay calm, walk away, and tell an adult straight away.
• Keep grain or pet food storage areas clean and tidy. These attract mice, which are a snake's favoured food.
• Ensure garden rockeries and ferneries are clear and tidy. These are cool places that attract snakes on warm days.
• Avoid walking around your backyard in bare feet. 
• Wear leg protection on hot nights and use a torch.
• Tiger snakes in particular become nocturnal in very hot weather and it is then that they are harder to see. Pets, particularly cats, are vulnerable to being bitten at this time.

If you or someone close to you is bitten by a snake: 

• Do not wash the wound.
• Stay calm, and as still, as possible.
• Immediately apply a pressure bandage (or clothing or towels torn into strips) to the bite area.
• Call 000 or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital emergency department for treatment. 

Hospitals with anti-venom

If you see a snake on Council land, for example at your local park, call us on 03 9249 4000.