Council completes Fox Den Detection and Destruction Project

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has put the finishing touches on its Fox Den Detection and Destruction Project.

Council’s Pest Management Team recently completed the Project on several Council reserves throughout the region that potentially harbour the introduced pest.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Michael Hagan said the Project was conducted at locations of known fox attacks.

“The properties were selected from those Council had received correspondence regarding fox issues, including attacks on pets, chickens, ducks, cats and sheep.

“Council engaged contractor Bellden Environmental Services to perform the service using detection dogs specifically trained in seeking and detecting active fox dens.

“This is a relatively new concept to the industry, and we are thrilled to have access to it for the Lockyer Valley given it has proven to be extremely effective in identifying and locating the subject dens.

“Once located, the dens were monitored with surveillance cameras.

“Following the surveillance, all the located dens were collapsed to discourage any further activity within these targeted locations.

“Overall, this Project was extremely successful, with the detection dogs having surveyed six locations, with 15 dens identified and collapsed to help protect livestock, native wildlife and pets.

“As a Council, we are committed to exploring potential fox control programs in adherence to our biosecurity obligations and to both manage community concerns and protect the long-term farming future of the region,” Cr Hagan said.

For more information, contact Council on 1300 005 872 or visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au