Melton council is considering a snake-catching program amid concerns about increased snake sightings and bites over recent months.
Compliance manager Ian Stewart said there were about 30 to 40 calls per year to the council about snakes, not all of which resulted in a snake-catcher being required.
“For snakes on private property, council has the contact details of a number of people able to catch snakes and it either engages these people directly or provides their details to private property occupants,” he said.
“At this stage, council has not considered an increase in service level, but a notice of motion was put forward at the November meeting to investigate and prepare a report on establishing a snake-catching program.”
Three private snake-catchers in Melton who Star Weekly spoke to charge between $130 and $250 per callout. They say they have been attending about five to seven callouts a week.
Melton Veterinary Clinic has treated 13 dogs and cats for snake bites since September. Nearly all of the pets were bitten by tiger snakes, and only five survived.
Snake bites on pets doubling
Senior vet nurse Kim Norton said 24 pets were treated at the clinic in the six months from September last year to February this year.
“This year [since September], we’ve already had 13 cases come in so that’s about double the rate,” she said.
“I believe it might be to do with new development in Melton and Caroline Springs. Those developments are encroaching on more bushland and we’re seeing a lot more snakes around.
“Lots of our new developments also have waterways running through them, so we’re seeing snakes in residential areas, like inner Melton and Kurunjang.”
She said many bitten pets died because owners could not afford to save them.
“It’s extremely expensive to treat animals with snake bites,” Ms Norton said.
“It costs $1500 for one vial of antivenom and the first overnight stay in the clinic. Each night after that, it’s $300 or more depending on the treatment.
“The sooner you see them displaying symptoms, the better their chances of survival,” Ms Norton said.
“If unsure, call your vet.”
Snakes are a protected species and it’s illegal to kill them.
