Deadly bid to rid popular smoking spot of rats angers Bayside animal experts and pet owners
Rats are on the move across Bayside suburbs, searching for food in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown. The rise of the hungry rodents has led to a dangerous activity that could have dire consequences for dogs and wildlife.
Inner South
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Rat traps with exposed poison have been left within easy reach of dogs and children in Sandringham.
At least four traps have been set around the back of the Bayside City Council Corporate Centre.
The centre is next to an off-leash dog park and playground.
Concerned dog owners took to social media on Thursday to warn locals and visitors to the popular park.
One woman who did not wish to be named said the traps had recently been restocked with poison that could be accessed by children and animals.
“It’s so dangerous! My small dog could easily eat that,” she said.
“There’s often 20 dogs or more in the park right alongside that council offices where the traps are.
“Lots of young children are also in the area because of the playground.”
The back of the corporate centre is a popular smoking spot for council staff and one of the traps had a cigarette butt stuffed inside.
Bayside Council Director of Environment, Recreation and Infrastructure Adam McSwain said pest control was outsourced as part of a building and maintenance contract.
He said the council had been alerted to a damaged rodent trap and had since removed the exposed bait.
In April pet owners were warned about baiting attempts in Eliza St, Black Rock after a dog owner found a ball of raw mince filled with rat bait.
Animal expert Greg Brown of Possums Plus said he had received more requests than usual about rat problems since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Rat colonies had their food supplies interrupted when so many restaurants and cafes closed,” Mr Brown said.
“They’re gone into famine mode which means colonies have split up and new, smaller colonies have been started.
“There’s been a lot more activity than usual and people can see and hear them.”
Mr Brown, who has worked in possum and rat control for about 30 years, said simply baiting rats did not work.
“You might get a few of the younger, stupider colony members but the majority won’t fall for it,” he said.
“You’re better off calling an animal expert who understand how the rats behave.”
The Animal Emergency Centre in Moorabbin and the Sandringham Veterinary Hospital have not handled any recent cases involving rat poison.
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HORRIFIC INJURIES TO PET CATS SPARK RSPCA WARNING
COVID-19 STATS SHOW BAYSIDE NOW ONE OF THE SAFEST AREAS
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