Sydney feral foxes wreak havoc on suburban neighbourhoods
Feral foxes are killing pets and wreaking havoc in Sydney neighbourhoods and residents are begging local councils to step in with a humane solution.
FERAL foxes are killing pets and wreaking havoc in Sydney neighbourhoods – and residents are begging local councils to step in.
Residents across the Sutherland Shire and St George are experiencing the repeated torment of finding their beloved pets killed or maimed by feral foxes from Kurnell to Arncliffe and everywhere in between.
Data from Feral Scan revealed foxes had been sighted across the whole southern suburban region, with slightly higher than average numbers in Kogarah and Rockdale.
Despite the constant carnage, local pet-owners are still calling for a humane solution.
Kurnell resident Alison Duncan said the foxes were cute but deadly.
“They kill in horrific ways,” Ms Duncan said.
“I wish there was a painless way to get rid of them, we don’t want more suffering.”
St George residents reported seeing foxes in Brighton, Bexley and the Bardwell Valley.
A Bayside Council spokesman said the council had received eight confirmed reports from the public relating to fox sighting or damage.
“Bayside Council has developed a strategic fox control and monitoring program for publicly owned land in the LGA to reduce the impact of foxes on high priority natural and bushland areas and limit adverse aggressive contacts with the public and companion animals,” he said.
“This program has been formulated to address … the impacts that foxes may cause to native animals and vegetation communities through predation and possible invasive weed and disease spread.”
The spokesman said residents should not approach foxes and instead report sightings.
“The sighting data is used by the council to develop ongoing control programs and the allocation of financial resources,” he said.
“The website also provides advice and information to residents on how to reduce the likelihood of foxes visiting private property or attacking domestic animals.”
Bayside Council’s plan was created in response to the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-2021 and Greater Sydney Regional Pest Animal Plan 2018-2023.
Residents can report fox sightings to feralscan.org.au/foxscan/sydneysouth.
Sutherland Shire Council and Georges River Council did not provide a response on their fox control strategies by deadline.
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