The control of feral and pest animals including rabbits, foxes and pigs is an ongoing problem, particularly within the rural areas of our Shire.
Government's role
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) 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).
Foxes
Foxes are a declared agricultural pest as well as a threat to a range of native animals. Hunting by foxes is contributing to declining populations of native birds, reptiles and small mammals.
Residents are encouraged to participate in national community reporting of foxes and other feral species through the FeralScan website and smartphone apps.
Fox control should be undertaken on private properties in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2002. Find out about approved fox control measures on the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website.
Feral cats
Feral cats are cats that are living and reproducing in the wild. They are not owned or socialised and survive on their own by hunting.
Feral cats pose a significant risk to native wildlife, and property owners have an important role to play in the overall control effort. Rangers can assist with cat trap hire and disposal of captured feral cats.
Cat trap hire
You can hire a cat trap from the shire for 7 days for $21.00.
A bond deposit of $150.00 is also payable and refunded when the trap is returned. If the cat trap is not returned within 28 days of hire or if the trap is damaged, your bond will be retained by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River to purchase a replacement trap.
Please phone in advance if you wish to extend your trap hire time (subject to availability).
A late fee of $12.00 per day will be charged if the Shire is not notified.
Setting traps
Traps must only be set on private property.
Set the trap close to dark (late afternoon or early evening) in a place that is sheltered away from the weather e.g. under a tree or behind a log. Cover the trap with a hessian bag, with the open end uncovered.
To attract feral cats, place raw chicken, salami or sardines in an old stocking and attach to the trap hook.
Ensure the trap is not left unattended for more than 12 hours and pet cats are not able to access the trap.
Checking traps and reporting a trapped animal
Traps must be checked at first sunrise. If the trap is occupied with a feral cat, contact Ranger Services immediately for collection on mobile 0419 902 540.
If a feral cat is trapped, it must be collected by a Shire of Augusta Margaret River Ranger. If the trap holder disposes of the animal, they may be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act.
If the trap is occupied with an animal other than a cat, please contact Parks and Wildlife Service as soon as possible.
What happens to the cat?
Feral cats will be taken by the Shire Ranger and scanned for an identification microchip number.
If a registered cat is impounded, the owner will be notified. A registered cat will be kept for 7 days.
Unidentified cats will be kept for 3 days before they are rehomed or euthanised.
More information and contact
Report any issues via the Report It/Request It form.