PET owners in Cairnlea have been advised to keep their animals restrained as Brimbank Council conducts a baiting program it hopes will wipe out the estate's rabbits.

The program, which started yesterday and continues until September 26, uses oats tainted with Pindone, a poison that can be dangerous to domestic pets.

The program is being conducted along Kororoit Creek Reserve from Eaglehawk Circuit to Gardenia Place, and along Gurnung Drive.

The council's communications officer, Marian Ali, said nearby residents were sent letters providing information about the duration of the program, the poison used and the antidote, which is vitamin K1.

"The areas to be baited will be clearly signposted prior to the bait being laid next to rabbit warrens," Ms Ali said. "Contractors will inspect the area daily and remove the affected rabbits."

Large amounts of rabbit faeces and scratchings, and the destruction of recently planted indigenous grasses, indicate rabbits are present in Cairnlea in large numbers.

"Cairnlea is a new estate ... this area has only recently been handed over to Brimbank Council," Ms Ali added. "Rabbits destroy plant communities, cause soil erosion and compete with native fauna for food and habitat."

She said the council wanted to protect 2000 recently planted indigenous species.

Cairnlea Residents Association spokesman Oresti Kyriakopoulos welcomed the move.

"I'm sure there is going to be a ... proper procedure in putting down baiting," he said.

Mr Kyriakopoulos said he did not believe residents were concerned about the danger of baiting to their pets.

Twenty-four rabbits were introduced to Australia near Geelong in 1859. They quickly adapted to Australian conditions and their population rose rapidly, spreading across the continent.

Under provisions of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, the council has an obligation to control the number of rabbits in the municipality.