New pest removal plan which would target foxes in Knox could cost $100,000 a year

EXTRA traps could be set up to tackle a “thriving” fox population in Melbourne’s outer east after the horror mauling to death of two pet dogs in Wantirna — and the pest removal program may come with a hefty price tag.

Daniel Morphett with dog Chloe — his other dog was killed by a fox in his Wantirna backyard last year. Picture: Steve Tanner

FOXES in Knox are in the firing line, with the council looking to set up extra traps to cull the “thriving” pests.

The crackdown comes after a series of fox sightings, including two separate incidents where pet dogs were mauled to death by foxes in the same Wantirna street in six weeks.

Pet dogs killed by foxes in horror Wantirna attacks

‘Rogue fox’ could be behind attacks on small dogs in Wantirna

Foxes roaming Rowville in broad daylight spark calls for another cull, but Knox Council has no plans

The council said it was looking at ways to curb what it described as a “thriving” fox population.

A council report said potential control methods included trapping or shooting.

However Knox Mayor John Mortimore said it was highly unlikely the pests would be shot in built-up areas.

He said the preferred option was to work with neighbouring councils to invest in a wider trapping program, where foxes would be humanely caught and euthanased.

The cost of a fox and pest removal program could reach $100,000 a year, according to the council report.

A business case will be prepared for the council to be considered for 2018/19 budget, the report said.

The focus on foxes was requested by councillor Jackson Taylor, following two deaths of small dogs last August.

Wantirna’s Amanda Morgan with her Cavalier King Charles spaniels Prada, Gucci and Kensie. Gucci was attacked by a fox in 2016 and was lucky to survive with just a scar. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Wantirna resident Kathy Morphett said her nine-year-old toy poodle Abi was mauled to death by a fox in her Clarence Rd backyard and six weeks later her daughter saw a chihuahua killed by a fox less than 100m from her house.

The council’s report said a fox expert was consulted and “confirmed that an event, such as this, is rare but it is possible for small dogs to be attacked by female foxes (vixen) during their breeding season (June-August)”.

“Foxes are also known to prey upon other domestic animals and pets including, poultry, guinea pigs, aviary birds and rabbits,” it said.

The pest program will also focus on killing rabbits and Indian myna birds.

Traps for the myna birds are able to be bought from the council, as of this month.