The widespread use of poisons used to control pest populations near popular walking areas has again caused concern among locals. 

A local resident contacted The Central App asking for confirmation the Central Otago District Council (CODC) were to use poison around the Lower Manorburn Dam. 

“This is very bad news,” the local said, who also posted on social media. 

“People walk the dogs here all the time, I’m here now and it is one of the only places left to walk the dogs all year around. The river is no-go from Dec-March. 

“You have to stop this.” 

The resident has shared the information online and wants the poisoning stopped, with many voicing their displeasure at the planned poison programme. 

On a social media post made on the issue, one local asked: “why not close public access to the dam with attended closures to ensure public safety, and do a few shooting sessions?”

Another commented: “Your (sic) ******* kidding me piss off with ya (sic) poison.”

The vast majority of those who commented on the planned poison programme were staunchly against the use of poison. Photo: Facebook. 

The Central App put the concern to Gordon Bailey, CODC Parks & Recreation Manager, who explained the CODC is required to control rabbits as a landowner and responsible citizen. 

He explained the use of poison is cost-effective to ratepayers and meets the council’s obigations. 

“Council had a notice served on it by the Otago Regional Council (ORC) requiring it to deal with the high number of rabbits in the Lower Manorburn Recreation Reserve. 

“Council arranged a rabbit control operation that was to commence Tuesday 10 August, using carrot bait and toxin. 

“Council is aware that the area is popular for recreation and in particular dog-walking. 

“Some concerns have been raised since advertisements were published last week, both direct with Council and on community Facebook pages. 

“As such, we are postponing this week’s planned programme commencement while we investigate whether there are alternative options that will adequately address the issue of increased rabbit population in a manner that is cost-effective to ratepayers and meets our obligations under the ORC Regional Pest Management Plan.”