Feral Animal Control Licence

A feral animal control licence is a permit or accreditation that allows individuals or businesses to legally control, trap, shoot, bait, or manage declared pest animals such as wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs, goats, rabbits, deer, cats, and kangaroos. In New South Wales (NSW) and other states, these licences ensure pest control is done safely, humanely, and within the law. 

Do You Need a Licence for Feral Animal Control? 

Yes — if you plan to do any of the following activities legally and professionally:

• Use 1080 or PAPP poisons

• Carry out commercial kangaroo harvesting

• Operate as a contract pest controller

• Use traps (particularly leg-hold or cage traps)

• Perform aerial shooting or professional ground shooting

• Manage pest animals on crown land or public property

Common Feral Animal Control Licences & Accreditations

1. 1080/PAPP Baiting Accreditation

• Required for handling or laying poisoned baits.

• Must complete a short course (e.g. through Local Land Services (LLS) or ChemCert).

• Valid for 5 years in NSW.

2. NSW Firearms Licence (Category A/B or C)

• Needed for any shooting of pest animals.

• Category C typically required for semi-automatic firearms used in aerial or professional control.

 3. Commercial Kangaroo Harvester Licence

• For those who professionally harvest kangaroos for meat or hide.

• Requires shooting test, firearms licence, and adherence to the National Code of Practice.

 4. Trapping Permits

• For use of leg-hold or cage traps.

• Must comply with NSW Codes of Practice for Trapping Pest Animals.

 5. Animal Control Permits (NPWS/DPI)

• Required for controlling native or protected species (like kangaroos or deer in some regions).

• Often issued under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW).

Who Issues Licences in NSW?

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
NSW Local Land Services (LLS)
NSW Firearms Registry (for firearms-related licences)
National Parks & Wildlife Service (for native fauna control permits)