Green-dyed poison carrots have been laid across a Hobart sports oval in a bid to control a rabbit plague threatening the safety of players and the public.
The Glenorchy City Council began baiting at KGV Oval late last month, using pindone-laced carrots after first conditioning rabbits to feed on plain vegetables.
It follows months of escalating damage to the playing surface caused by rabbit digging and warrens.
Mayor Sue Hickey said the decision was made after repair costs increased and the risk of injury grew.
“Apart from the cost of repairing damage to the oval’s playing surface, there is an increasing risk of injury to a player or member of the public, forcing council to take action and commence a control program,” she said.
The anticoagulant pindone, which is commonly used in commercial rat baits, was recommended by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) as the most effective option for the site.
The council said the green-dyed baits posed no risk to humans unless ingested.
Anyone who accidentally consumes the poison should immediately contact the poisons hotline on 13 11 26.
Warning signs have been installed around the oval and nearby residents notified in writing.
The public is being urged not to disturb the baits or remove rabbit carcasses.
Hickey said she understood many Glenorchy residents were also experiencing problems with rabbits but there was little the council could do.
“Unfortunately, council is not authorised to conduct control programs on private property, however, we will keep the department informed and would urge people to contact NRE should they have any questions relating to their own property,” she said.
The council holds a permit only for the KGV site and has no plans to extend the program.
