Council will be conducting its annual pest control operation at the Ashburton Cemetery and Ashburton Business estate at some stage during the next two weeks, targeting rabbits, hares and possums.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said the work would be carried out at night by an experienced and approved contractor.

“The work is weather dependent and will be carried out at the cemetery and on Council-owned land at the business estate. Staff have noticed that rabbits have been busy digging holes and this is a nuisance for everyone because they cause a lot of damage.”

The European rabbit was introduced to New Zealand as a food source and hunting resource in the 1860s. Females can produce 20-30 young each year, though only about 10 per cent of juveniles survive to six months of age.

Mr McCann said night shooting was a very effective way to control light infestations.

“The pest operation will be carried out at some stage during the next two weeks and we will let people know when our contractor is working.”