Livestock SA welcomes government commitment to wild dog control

Livestock SA has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone that the State Government will deliver the equivalent of two full time wild dog trappers to protect South Australia’s $4.7 billion livestock industry.

Wild dogs are an increasing threat to livestock production, with a significant increase in the number of wild dogs shot or trapped in SA last year. They also have the potential to impact on native fauna populations as well as domestic animals such as dogs or cats.

Livestock SA President Joe Keynes says he is pleased to hear the State Government has also committed to providing a further $200,000 to undertake a coordinated wild dog baiting programs in SA.

“For a considerable period of time we have been concerned that the State Government’s efforts in wild dog control lacked strategy or coordination,” he said.

“This funding boost and a commitment to a coordinated whole of state approach will go a long way in turning the tide on the increasing wild dog problem.

“It is vital that these controls are rolled out as soon as possible to reduce the threat of wild dogs moving further south. Twenty years ago, you never heard of a dingo near Burra. But now they are getting closer and closer to the higher population areas of South Australia, like the Adelaide Hills.

“We have to be doing more to control these wild dogs now before the worst happens.

“Livestock SA and our frontline members stand ready to work with the State Government, the South Australian Wild Dog Advisory Group and other parties to ensure that we have a coordinated program that includes a sound and well-maintained dog proof fence, a targeted baiting program and skilled dog trappers to protect the productivity of our livestock industries.”

The two wild dog trappers will commence from 1 July, with the baiting campaign to give landholders an extra 100,000 manufactured and fresh meat baits in addition to the 180,000 baits which are already supplied through the Biteback program.