pets-banner3.jpg
Share

Pets

Attention rabbit owners!

Rabbit owners are advised that a wild rabbit control program will commence in early March 2025 with the release of a new variant of the rabbit calicivirus (RHDV). This program is being led by the Greater Sydney Local Land Services, with Hornsby Shire participating as part of a coordinated approach to manage the wild rabbit populations within the greater Sydney region.

Wild rabbits are a destructive agricultural pest, compete for resources and degrade landscapes. They are recognised as a key threat to Australian native animals, plants, and endangered ecological communities. Calicivirus has been used for wild rabbit control since 2017. It is species-specific, affecting only rabbits and poses no risk to native wildlife or other pets.

All vets in the area have been notified. It is critical that all pet rabbits be vaccinated against the virus. If unsure, pet owners should contract their local vet, or can find further information on the Australian Veterinary Association website: Vaccination of rabbits and ferrets.

For more information relating to wild rabbit control, please visit PestSmart and Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028, or contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on (02) 4724 2100.

There are more than 40,000 pets and companion animals in Hornsby Shire. Council aims to protect the rights of these animals and their owners, as well as the rights of other community members.

For the comfort, safety and health of the community, pet owners are responsible for their pets. Read about these responsibilities and the answers to some common enquiries.
pet owner responsibility

Your Responsibilities & FAQs
The Keeping Cats Safe At Home project aims to improve care for pet cats through responsible cat ownership and to protect wildlife from cat predation.
Cat giving a high five

Keeping Cats Safe at Home
All cats and dogs must be micro-chipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away. They must be lifetime registered by six months.
pet registration

Registering Your Pet
Hornsby Shire Council offers a number of areas where dogs and their owners can play together entirely unleashed.
dog off leash

Off-leash Dog Areas
It's very distressing when a pet goes missing. Council tries very hard to reunite you with your companion as quickly as possible.
lost pet

Lost and Found Pets
Dogs that bark excessively can put a severe strain on the relationship between neighbours and it's important to handle the situation carefully.
barking dog

Barking Dogs
Annual Permits Thumbnail

Annual Permits
National Desexing Network logo

July is National Desexing Month with nationwide discounts on desexing.

National Desexing Network

A rescue animal may be your purr-fect pet-match!

The Hawkesbury Animal Shelter is brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for you to take them home.

When you adopt your pet from the Shelter you are adopting an animal which has been health checked, desexed, vaccinated and often, wormed and treated for fleas. They have also been assessed for rehoming.

If you think a rescue dog or cat is for you, please visit the Hawkesbury Animal Shelter’s gallery to view the animals they have available for you to adopt.

rescue pet