Local Law No 2 (Animal Management) 2011 and the associated subordinate local law set out the regulations for the keeping of animals in terms of prohibited animals, requirement for approval, how many animals can be kept, fencing, enclosure and minimum standards for keeping animals.

Animal Traps

Council have animal traps available for use by residents. Arrangements for the loan of these traps may be made through Council's Animal Pound Facilities. Initially traps are loaned at no charge, however damaged or lost traps must be repaird or replaced. The traps must be used in accordance with the conditions of use for the humane cage trapping of domestic, unowned and/or feral cats.

Bats

The Rockhampton Region is home to a native bat population.  If you find an injured bat, do not touch it, just cover the bat with box or towel to keep it safe from predators.

You should contact a Wildlife Carer to come and collect it:

     Leslie 07 4926 3336
     Allison 07 4933 1850
     Michelle 04 0258 9765
     Val/Pieter 07 4938 3141
     Joy 07 4825 0064

For more information contact the Wildlife Carers Network via email or PO Box 345, Yeppoon Queensland 4703.

For more information on bats species in the region visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management website or call 1300 130 372. 

Hendra Virus

The Hendra Virus is a notifiable disease, which can spread from flying foxes to horses and very rarely to humans. Under State Government Law if you suspect the presence of this disease in horses, you must report it to Biosecurity Queensland (part of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries) on 13 25 23 or Emergency Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website or call 13 25 23.

Injured and Dead Animals

If you require assistance with an injured or dead animal contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77.

Council cannot remove dead bats on power lines, you must contact Ergon Energy on 13 1046.

Do not touch bats even if they appear deceased, as they can carry diseases that can be fatal for humans.

You must be careful when dealing with animals in distress, as they may not understand you are trying to help them.  If you find a small animal such as a bird, which has died it may be wrapped in newspaper and placed in the garbage bin.

If your pet has died you will need to make arrangements for its disposal. Dead animals may be disposed of at the Lakes Creek Landfill, Gracemere Landfill and Yeppoon Landfill for a fee. In the case of large animals being brought in for disposal please call the Landfill in advance to make arrangements.

If you find dead animals (domestic and livestock only) on public land contact Council's Customer Service Centre with the full details and where able the Community Compliance Officers will collect the animal. The collection service only operates within 40km of the Rockhampton CBD, for animal collections outside this area or for native and non domestic animals contact the Environmental Protection Agency on 1300 130 372.

Magpies

Between July and November magpies breed and raise their young. The male from a breeding pair takes on the specific role of defending its eggs and young while they are in the nest and will swoop at a predator or competing magpie if it believes it's a threat to the safety of the chicks. To be seen as a threat, an animal must come within the defence zone, a certain distance of the nest. This defensive behaviour lasts for a period of about six week, from the time when the eggs are laid up, becoming increasing defensive as the chicks grow. As soon as the young birds leave the nest all defensive behaviour stops.

A magpie may regarded as dangerous if it is swooping in areas where there is a large number people coming and going eg. schools and shopping centres or where there are people who may not be able to adequately protect themselves eg. hospitals and aged care facilities. DERM licenses commercial bird relocators to assess and remove dangerous magpies in certain situations. You should be aware that other native birds such as butcherbirds and spur-winged plovers may also swoop at people.

For more information visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management website or call 1300 130 372.

Sharks

While many Queensland beaches have shark control equipment in place, this equipment does not provide an impenetrable barrier between bathers and sharks. It is important to be aware that sharks inhabit our oceans, as well as estuaries, rivers, creeks, canals and streams both saltwater and freshwater. Bathers are urged to take care in the water to minimise the chance of shark attack.

For more information visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website or call 13 25 23.

Snakes

Snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and it is an offence to kill, injure or take snakes from the wild.  They play an important role in maintaining the natural environment.  When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people.

If you find a snake, do not touch it.  Snakes usually prefer to escape when disturbed but, if they feel threatened, they can become defensive.  Most snake bites are received by people who try to catch or kill it.

You should contact a licensed snake catacher to relocate the snake to a safe place:

     Wayne 0410 680 708
     Justin 0427 142 232
     Dave 0428 794 334
     David 0407 732 132
     Jeffrey 07 4938 7624
     Heath 0427 983 180 (weekends only)

Alternatively if a licensed snake catcher can not be contacted you can call Rockhampton Wildlife Rescue on 0437 556 744 or Queensland Park and Wildlife Service Rangers are available to respond.

For more information visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management website or call 1300 130 372, press 1 for wildlife incidents, 6 then 1 for snake catchers. 

For more information click on the headings under Animal Management or related links and documents or call Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77.