City of Stirling’s wise move to become owl-friendly

The City of Stirling has shown it gives a hoot by joining Western Australia’s growing “owl-friendly” movement.

Founded in Margaret River, the owl-friendly initiative aims to limit the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SAGR) in Australia.

These common off-the-shelf baits contain powerful but slow-acting poisons that can take days to kill the rodents that have ingested them.

The rodents become easy meals for pets or native species, such as owls, which can also be harmed or killed by the poison.

In April, City of Stirling Council voted to become an owl-friendly City, following on from a motion by Cr Tony Krsticevic in November 2024.

The City has now committed to eliminating SAGRs from its operations and contracts.

The City will also promote the use of responsible rodent controls throughout the community, including at food premises, commercial properties, building sites and at home.

"It’s well known that these rodent baits can be harmful to non-target species, including our pets and native wildlife,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.

“This is a simple step the City can take to protect those animals and share the message with the community.”

There is information on the City’s website about owl-friendly rodent controls and what people can do to keep rodents away from their homes.

The City will share this educational material on social media, promote the City’s free rodent bait sample packs, and collaborate with Birdlife Australia and other local governments to support the owl-friendly movement.