Dog unleashed in fight against rabbit invasion
Terry Hardaker and his lurcher dog Millie are bringing a unique set of skills and experience to the job of reducing rabbit numbers on local golf courses.
Terry loves his golf and is a member of the Whangaparāroa Club. While teeing off, he noticed the large number of rabbits, and associated damage, on the course.
He was the right man at the right time to do something about this.
As a young man in Yorkshire, Terry enjoyed hunting, not all of it legal – he could often be found poaching rabbits and hares with his dogs.
Residents hopping mad as rabbit numbers rise
Parts of Gulf Harbour are seeing a dramatic rise in rabbit numbers.
Residents spoken to by Hibiscus Matters say they are frequently seeing rabbits in their gardens and on neighbouring properties, as well as on a nearby reserve, and that this is very unusual.
Advice given to residents by Auckland Council was to purchase poison pellets called Pindone. Some are hesitant to put these out, however, because of the potential harm to pets.
Council advises they have seen no increase in rabbits at Shakespear Regional Park nearby.
However, rabbit numbers are up on the golf course at Gulf Harbour Country Club.