Vertebrate pest animals
Pest animals pose significant biosecurity risks. They impact the environment, economy and the community by:
- preying on livestock and wildlife, including endangered species
- increasing grazing pressure on pastures and native species
- damaging crops and plants
- competing with native wildlife for food and habitat
- spreading diseases to people and other animals (including stock and pets)
- damaging fences and other infrastructure
- posing a safety risk to people and pets.
Wild rabbits, wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs and other vertebrate pests cost the Australian agricultural industry about $800 million per year and this is climbing.
In NSW, pest animals are regulated under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and associated Regulations. The Biosecurity Act 2015 underpins the prevention, elimination, minimisation and management of biosecurity risks in NSW.
Everyone is responsible for managing the biosecurity risks and impacts that pest animals create and land managers have particular obligations to reduce pest animal risks on their properties and to their neighbours.
Local Land Services Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans provide more detail on what is required in your region.
