From 1 September 2021, netting used to protect household fruit-trees, vegetable gardens, or other fruiting plants must have a mesh size of 5mm x 5mm or less at full stretch.
If you sell or promote the use of netting to protect household fruit or vegetable harvest you will need to be aware of this new mandatory requirement introduced under Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019.
The regulation applies to both the sale and use of household fruit netting. It does not apply to sale or use of netting in commercial circumstances.
Any existing household fruit netting that does not meet this specification must be replaced with appropriate netting before the 1 September 2021 commencement date.
The use of appropriate mesh-sized netting supports a productive harvest while also protecting our vulnerable wildlife from harm. Netting with a large mesh size is more likely to entangle birds, possums or flying foxes.
The Victorian Government have developed a ‘Harvest without Harm’ leaflet that provides information on the new requirements. If your company would like a supply of these to distribute, then please contact animal.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 136 186 to request a PDF or hard copy. Leaflets are available in English, Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese.
Additionally, if you would like to share the Facebook post from Animal Welfare Victoria, about the commencement of the new regulation, that can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/AWVnet
Further advice on netting requirements, protecting fruit trees and wildlife, and helping injured wildlife, is available at http://animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/netting or by calling 136 186.
