Boosting wild dog control

A renewed agreement between the Hume Livestock Health and Pest Authority, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forests NSW is a boost to wild dog control in the Upper Murray region. 

The three-year agreement is an action plan for the control and management of wild dogs on all public and private land within the control zone.

NPWS area manager for Khancoban, David Lawrence says that the agreement is an update of the existing NSW Upper Murray Wild Dog Plan which has been operating successfully for a number of years.

"Before the year 2000, over 1300 stock losses per year were caused by wild dogs in the NSW Upper Murray area alone," Mr Lawrence said.

"With the introduction of the Wild Dog Plan, this rate has reduced to an average of around 60 stock losses per year over the past four years in the same region."

Hume LHPA ranger Michael McFarlane said the reduction in stock losses has been welcomed by local landholders who regularly participate in the programs.

"Last month in the Upper Murray area 14 wild dogs were trapped by contract trappers within the plan area on both National Parks land and private farm land," Mr McFarlane said.

"Wild dog control is expensive but still cost effective, which makes the results worthwhile. By working with landholders in the area, all organisations involved are able to maintain a more productive outcome for livestock owners."

The Wild Dog Plan outlines methods for controlling wild dogs with both strategic (planned) and reactive (after an attack) programs, including strategic ground baiting, trapping and the use of guard animals such as llamas.

The use of contract trappers is an integral part of the plan as it allows for greater flexibility in the trapping programs.

To report wild dog activity on your property or for more information on controlling wild dogs, contact your local LHPA office.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378