A Buderim woman concerned about invasive cane toads has bought a second-hand fridge to humanely euthanise the hundreds of pests she actively removes from her property.
Community Effort Targets Pests
Cassie Fenton, 29, decided to take action shortly after moving to the Sunshine Coast and discovering many cane toads in her yard. Realising the animals were notorious invasive species, she began catching them herself.
Ms Fenton stated she uses dedicated tongs for handling the toads, as their skin secretions are poisonous, preventing them from being used for food. Equipped with the tongs, a container, and a head torch for navigating in the dark, she captures the nocturnal animals. She reported catching 214 cane toads in her backyard over just 12 nights.
Approved Humane Practices Followed
Ms Fenton explained that she uses methods recommended by the RSPCA for humane euthanasia. One option she employs is a spray product called HopStop, which is available commercially and applied directly to the toad for a quick death. The other method is stepped hypothermia.
This involves placing the caught toads in a refrigerator set at four degrees Celsius for 12 hours to anaesthetise them, followed by transferring them to a freezer at minus 20 degrees Celsius for at least 24 hours to kill them painlessly. To manage this process without contaminating her household food storage, Ms Fenton mentioned purchasing a used fridge and freezer to deal with the toads.
Wider Cane Toad Problem in Australia
Cane toads are recognised as one of Australia’s most damaging invasive species. They were originally introduced to north Queensland from South America in 1935 in a failed attempt to control destructive beetles in sugar cane crops. Since then, their population has exploded. They have spread widely through Queensland, into the Northern Territory, northern New South Wales, and parts of Western Australia.
The National Museum of Australia estimates its range expands by 40 to 60 kilometres annually. Its toxic skin glands can kill native predators trying to eat it, competing with native amphibians for food and habitat. Authorities acknowledge that finding a large-scale control method is unlikely, making community actions and efforts to protect vulnerable native animals important.
Published Date 18-April-2025