Rabbit Management

European rabbits are one of Victoria’s most destructive pest animals. In Towong Shire, they cause significant damage by:

Destroying vegetation through grazing and digging.
Competing with livestock and native wildlife for food and habitat.
Causing erosion and soil loss, especially along creek and riverbanks.

Uncontrolled rabbit populations reduce farm productivity, threaten native species, and damage gardens and public reserves.

Your legal responsibility

Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act), landowners are legally required to control rabbits on their property. “Control” means taking reasonable steps to minimise their impact and prevent spread.

Effective control requires planning, persistence, and cooperation with your neighbours.

How to monitor rabbits on your property

Monitoring helps you understand rabbit numbers and the success of your control efforts.

Steps:

Map where rabbits are living and feeding on your property.
Record signs such as burrows, droppings, scratching, and grazing damage.
At dusk, count rabbits from a fixed point before and after control activities.
Repeat regularly to track changes and refine your approach.

A planned approach to rabbit control

There’s no single solution — successful control combines multiple techniques applied at the right time of year.

1. Work with your neighbours

Rabbits easily move between properties. Coordinate with neighbouring landholders to achieve the best results.

2. Remove harbour

Rabbits rely on shelter for protection. Remove:

Wood heaps and rubbish piles
Blackberry thickets and weedy patches
Old sheds, under decks, or dense vegetation

Collapse and compact burrows to prevent reuse.

3. Fumigation

Fumigating warrens is effective, particularly after a baiting program or during breeding season.
Only licensed operators can use fumigants — contact your local contractor for advice.

4. Baiting

Pindone is the only poison registered for rabbit control in urban and peri-urban areas (where 1080 is not permitted).

Conduct a free-feed first to measure bait uptake.
Use bait stations to protect pets and wildlife.
Always remove uneaten bait and carcasses.

5. Fencing

Rabbit-proof fencing can protect sensitive areas.

Use 90 cm-high netting (max 4 cm holes).
Bury the bottom 30 cm or flare it outwards.
Regular maintenance is essential.

6. Trapping and ferreting

Useful for small infestations or in sensitive areas. Soft-jawed traps and cage traps can be used humanely.
Ferreting and dogging should be undertaken by experienced operators.

7. Biological control

Myxomatosis and Calicivirus (RHDV) still circulate naturally but should not be relied upon alone.
Use other methods during disease outbreaks for maximum effect.

When to act

Rabbit control is most effective in late summer to early autumn, when feed is limited and before breeding season begins. Follow up regularly – persistence is key.

Need help?

Towong Shire Council works with landholders, Landcare groups, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to support pest animal control.

Reach out