Dog owners reminded of poison drop

Owners are being asked to remain vigilant of pets as 1080 is dropped in the Sugar Loaf region.

The district council is reminding dog owners to keep their pets controlled on the Sugar Loaf and 45th Parallel walking tracks due to upcoming rabbit poison drops nearby.

However, the poison being used on public areas is generally not lethal to dogs.

The Central Otago District Council had announced the controlled poisoning in the area north of Cromwell. It will take place today or tomorrow, depending on the weather, and again on either August 14 or 15.

Some residents expressed concern on social media that 1080, which is lethal to dogs, would be dropped on the popular walking tracks.

Council chief executive Leanne Mash said Pindone would be used in bait 30m from tracks and houses. The poison is less toxic to dogs than 1080.

''Also on August 14 other private property will receive 1080 adjoining the southern portion of the Sugarloaf track, but this is rabbit-fenced from the track.''

The drop was part of the Otago Regional Council's request to landholders in the area to take responsibility for the management of rabbits.

''[The district] council has funded our share in the overall project. We understand each of the landholders has funded their own portion of the cost based on land area.''

A non-poison bait had already been dropped in the area.

The council issued a reminder on social media of walking track rules, which included controlling dogs at all times.

Signs regarding the poison drop would be erected shortly.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nzf

- Otago Daily Times