Keep a wary eye out for poison on the dunes above Western Bay beaches.
That's the warning to pet owners today as a rabbit control programme begins this week.
Poisonous bait is being laid on Moturiki (Leisure Island) and the length of Papamoa beach in an effort to protect native dune plants
from rabbits.
"There are very high rabbit numbers in the Papamoa area doing lots of damage to dune vegetation," said David Paine, pest animal officer of Environment Bay of Plenty. The bait would be easily recognisable, he said. Pre-feed pellets are brown and cylindrical while the toxic Pindone bait is dyed bright green.
Warning signs would be erected in areas the bait is set down.
If you suspect your pet has eaten either Pindone bait or poisoned rabbits seek veterinary care immediately. Symptoms may include pale gums, difficulty in moving, and bleeding in severe cases.
