In November 2014 the New South Wales Government issued a Pest Control Order (PCO) for European Red Foxes.
What the PCO means for foxes:
- Rescuing foxes is now illegal
- Rehoming foxes is now illegal
- Foxes in need are unable to legally access vet care
- Transporting foxes (even for veterinary care) is illegal
- All foxes who are orphaned and injured are now meant to be euthanised
Why SFR opposes the PCO:
- Just because something is legal that doesn't make it right
- None of our foxes are ever released. Every fox in our care is one less fox in the wild.
- The PCO means more orphaned foxes with no adequate system to ensure their welfare. These orphans will be left to starve
- Banning the transport of injured foxes to a vet is a form of animal cruelty
- Without regulation and an authorised rescue program, illegal fox ownership will become rampant and there is no way to ensure access to vet care and adequate husbandry for these animals.