Help stop wild dogs on the move

The Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority is encouraging landholders to be on the lookout for wild dog activity on their property following increased reports of wild dogs across the district.

Darling LHPA senior ranger, Col Betts, said wild dog sightings have risen in the Tilpa and Louth areas west of the Darling River and one wild dog has been shot on Bulgoo Station, approximately 45 km south of Cobar.

"A landholder rang the LHPA ranger based in Cobar, Robert Neate, on New Year’s Day, informing him that a wild dog had been shot that day," Mr Betts said.

"The landholder had been aware of this dog on his property for some time, but until New Year’s Day he had been unsuccessful in controlling it.

"No damage to domestic livestock has been reported, but the landholder said that the dog had been previously seen targeting feral goats.

"According to Mr Neate, this was the third wild dog of a dingo appearance shot in the Cobar area in the last two years."

Mr Betts said it appears that wild dogs which have traditionally been confined to areas west of the Darling River are now moving further south and east.

"Unless appropriate management programs are put in place, it’s likely that this movement will continue," said Mr Betts.

"LHPA rangers can assist landholders in controlling wild dogs, by providing 1080 baits and the training required to use these, as well as advice on trapping programs. The most effective results can be achieved when several landholders coordinate their programs.

"Undertaking a strategic baiting program for wild dogs will have the added advantage of also targeting foxes, which should help to minimise livestock losses, especially during lambing."

Mr Betts added that wild dogs can carry parasites and diseases which can affect livestock, working dogs, and also people, meaning wild dog control is important to everyone.

For more information on wild dog management, contact your local LHPA office.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378