Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747:reg:4:p51
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 51/80)
Character Range: 181043–184082

licence, cost-effectiveness, impacts on non-target species, location and the magnitude, extent and duration of potential benefits. It should also be noted that the extent to which the tools listed here are permitted for use to control feral cats on all land tenures varies considerably across the country – refer to Appendix 5.

Control methods in built-up areas are obviously more constrained by legislation, non-target risks (including for pet cats), and other social factors. Most control options for roaming cats in urban situations are based on cage-trapping. Section 8.9 provides more discussion about control of roaming cats in urban areas and around population centres.

Toxic baits that target feral cats

The use of toxic baits in Australia is nationally authorised and regulated, up to – and including – the point of sale, by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) following careful scrutiny of evidence relating to effectiveness, non-target impacts and other risks. State and territory government agencies further regulate the use of the toxic bait, storage and disposal requirements. Toxic baiting of feral cats using aerial delivery of Eradicat® baits (containing 1080 poison) has been critical for maintaining populations of highly and extremely cat-susceptible species in parts of the southwest of Western Australia. It has also been used under minor use permits to protect populations of extremely/highly cat-susceptible species such as central rock-rats, northern quoll, and bridled nailtail wallabies, and to eradicate feral cats from islands (e.g. Dirk Hartog Island). New presentations of 1080 are being trialled (Hisstory®), and a bait (Curiosity®) using an alternative toxin (para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP)) has recently been registered for use across Australia. Baiting trials of Eradicat® and the newer formulations have given variable results: encounter rates, declines in bait palatability over time, uptake by non-target species, cat hunger and ambient weather conditions all play a part, but more work will improve understanding of why toxic baits yield different results in different situations, and thus sharpen protocols. Information about the features, benefits and limitations of the available toxic baits is detailed in section 6.2 of the background document.

Many First Nations communities are concerned about non-target effects on dingoes and introducing toxin into ecosystems where they actively hunt for food (refer to section 4.5), and the broader public is concerned about humaneness and the use of poison generally. Continued use of toxic baits on feral cats is essential for preventing population declines and extinctions of some native species, so, given the complex issues involved in their use, toxic baiting programs should be justified based on the expected conservation benefit and a thorough assessment of risks. Programs should be accompanied by robust monitoring to quantify the potential non-target impacts, to confirm that reductions in feral cat density