Rabbit Control Program
The City of Ballarat is conducting a Rabbit Control Program in May and June, 2025.
In Victoria, feral or wild populations of European rabbits are declared as established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CALP Act).
Under the Act, the City of Ballarat has a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of – and as far as possible eradicate – established pest animals from City of Ballarat owned or managed land, such as parks and reserves.
Rabbit Baiting Station locations
Signs will be placed at entry points near these locations, and on baiting stations. Pets should be restrained on a lead near the baiting stations.
This program will be implemented at the following four locations:
- Burrumbeet Creek Reserve, Miners Rest
- Cardigan-Windermere Fire Station, Cardigan Village
- Richmond Park, Learmonth
- Lake Burrumbeet Reserve, Lake Burrumbeet
About the stations
Baiting stations are used to help protect other animals and are a clear visual indication of where the baiting stations are located.
Baits are placed under the mesh canopies of baiting stations.
This means the bait is accessible to rabbits but restricts access by other animals, such as kangaroos, wallabies and pets.
About the bait (Pindone)
What bait is being used?
Pindone.
- Pindone is an approved anticoagulant poison used for controlling rabbit populations in Victoria.
What does the bait look like?
- The Pindone has been mixed with Carrots that have been diced and placed in baiting stations.
How long does the bait take to work?
Pindone is a multi-feed poison. Full grown rabbits require multiple feeds of Pindone treated carrot baits for a lethal dose.
- Rabbits typically show signs of poisoning within four to seven days after consuming a lethal dose. Death usually occurs within 10 to 14 days.
- Most rabbits will die underground, however the City of Ballarat and licensed contractors will monitor the baiting sites for unconsumed baits and any rabbit carcasses, and they will be disposed of off-site.
Is the bait safe for pets and animals?
While the risk of poisoning pets and wildlife is low, all care should be taken. Pets should be on a lead near baiting stations.
What if my pet has eaten the bait, carrots or a dead rabbit?
One of the reasons Pindone is approved for rabbit control near homes is because it has an antidote – Vitamin K1. Multiple feeds of Pindone are also required for Pindone to be lethal.
If you suspect your pet has eaten Pindone carrots, seek veterinary treatment. Vitamin K1 is an effective antidote.
It is unlikely that your pet will be affected from eating a dead rabbit. Once a rabbit has died, most of the active poison has been metabolised.
If you suspect that your pet has eaten a rabbit carcass affected by Pindone, seek veterinary treatment.
Additional resources
If you want to control rabbits on your own property, you can:
- Contact your local Landcare Group to find out more about other rabbit control measures taking place in your area
- Visit PestSmart for information on how to plan, manage and improve rabbit control
- Visit Agriculture Victoria for recommended control measures on baiting, ripping, harbour management and fumigation
- Visit the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, a not for profit community pest management organisation, that works with all Victorians to manage rabbits on private or public land, and
Contact the City of Ballarat for more information on 5320 5500 or info@ballarat.vic.gov.au
About European rabbits
Rabbits have a destructive impact on agriculture, native ecosystems and the environment.
Introduced to Australia in the 19th Century, they rapidly spread due to their high reproductive rate and lack of natural predators.
Soils have a strong influence on rabbit density with deep, well-drained soils being most productive. Rabbit warrens are also typically larger and more complex in deeper soils.
Rabbits also exist above ground where a surface harbour is present. Fallen timber and logs, rocks, dense thickets of native scrub and woody weeds along with heaps of debris are ideal shelter.
Rabbits may also become a problem around houses, farm buildings and other structures such as water tanks.
To learn more about European rabbits visit Agriculture Victoria's page