Other Animals (Non-Companion)

Australian Native Animals

For information, complaints or to report an incident involving native wildlife, contact:
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Phone: 1300 072 757

Feral or Introduced Pests
To report feral or pest animals (e.g. foxes, rabbits, wild pigs), contact:
Local Land Services
Phone: 1300 795 299

WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service)
Emergency wildlife rescue available 24/7
Phone: 1300 094 737
Website: www.wires.org.au

After contacting a wildlife rescue organisation:

Remove any immediate threats
Keep all people and pets away from the native animal to reduce stress while waiting for a rescuer or preparing for transport.

Contain the animal if safe to do so
If it is safe, gently wrap the animal in a towel and place it in a ventilated box with a lid. Cover the box with a towel to keep the environment warm, dark, and quiet. Minimise handling.

Do not give the animal food or water
Unless specifically instructed by a vet or WIRES, do not offer food or water.

All animals must be kept in a way that does not create a nuisance or pose a health risk to the community.

Common issues investigated by Council include:

• Offensive odours
• Noise nuisances
• Unhealthy conditions attracting pests or vermin

These problems can often be avoided by carefully considering the type and number of animals that are appropriate for your property and neighbourhood.

Council’s full guidelines are available in: Local Orders Policy No 1 - Guidelines for Keeping of Animals for Domestic Purposes.

• Store all food in sealed containers
• Provide clean water at all times
• Do not leave food scraps around, especially overnight
• Use a clean feeding tray and remove it after feeding
• Regularly clean animal shelters and dispose of waste properly
• Avoid washing waste into neighbouring properties or watercourses
• Ensure fencing is secure and enclosures are rodent and vermin-proof
• Provide animals with shelter from sun, rain and wind
• Keep only the number of animals you can manage responsibly
• Avoid keeping roosters near residential areas due to noise

• Position bird cages or aviaries away from neighbouring residences

If you find a sick, injured, or orphaned animal listed below, do not attempt to handle it. These species require specialist care and must be rescued by trained wildlife professionals.

• Snakes
• Monitor Lizards (Goannas)
• Bats (Flying-Foxes or Microbats)
• Large Macropods (Kangaroos or Wallabies)
• Raptors (Eagles, Falcons, or Hawks)

Contact WIRES or National Parks and Wildlife for assistance.