Toora man fined for using unregistered fox baits

A Toora landowner has been found guilty of using unregistered, homemade baits to control foxes.

The Korumburra Magistrates’ Court was told that during June 2017, Agriculture Victoria chemical standards officers received information following the death of a pet dog, that homemade baits were allegedly being laid to control foxes.

Agriculture Victoria executed a search warrant on the accused’s property and seized three baits that were later confirmed to contain rodenticides – chemicals commonly used in rat poison that had been mixed with meat. The landowner pleaded guilty to the offences. Agriculture Victoria chemical standards officer Neil Harrison said it was an offence for a person to use an unregistered chemical product without the appropriate authorisation.

The magistrate imposed a six month good behaviour bond, $500 fine and ordered the accused to pay $1189 in costs.

“This case highlights the risks associated with the manufacturing and use of illegal homemade baits.

“It’s important that only vertebrate pesticides registered for use as baits are used to control pest animals, that the user has the appropriate authorisation and that they apply chemicals in line with label requirements and directions for use,” Mr Harrison said.

“There are several vertebrate pesticide products registered in Victoria for fox control, when using them you must hold an Agricultural Chemical User’s Permit (ACUP) with a 1080 and PAPP endorsement.”

“There are also a number of requirements within the product directions for use which include erecting appropriate signage, notifying neighbours, minimum distances criteria and the collection and disposal of baits, to minimise any potential off target damage,” he said.