Wild dogs in RLPB sights

Wild dogs are firmly in Rural Lands Protection Boards' sights with a number of aerial baiting programs to commence across the state later this month. 

RLPBs will be running programs on private property and helping coordinate aerial baiting on public land in conjunction with local wild dog associations, State Forests and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

In the north of the state aerial baiting is scheduled from the end of April until mid June across the Maitland, Hunter, Mudgee-Merriwa, Tamworth, Armidale, Kempsey, Northern New England and Grafton board regions.

Down south the Cooma, Bombala and Braidwood RLPBs will run programs throughout June and July.

Chairman of the State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards, David Lister, said intensive aerial baiting programs are one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of wild dogs.

“Aerial baiting can be done across large areas and all types of terrain and is administered by trained handlers according to strict environmental, transportation and notification procedures.

“Wild dogs are responsible for thousands of stock losses across the state each year which cause a significant financial and emotional burden for farmers. Sheep are the main target but a number of Boards on the coastal areas are also reporting a number of calf losses.

“The success of these programs also relies on the cooperation of landowners and I encourage them to participate and get behind their local RLPB in their efforts to tackle wild dogs,” David Lister said.

These aerial baiting programs are the first to be run since RLPBs successfully lobbied the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to maintain the current wild dog aerial baiting rate until early next year at the maximum level of 40 baits a kilometre.

Boards are currently monitoring and compiling data on all wild dog activity and sightings in each of these regions to ensure the most comprehensive and targeted approach.

The State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards is also continuing its efforts to push for greater consistency and coordination of wild dog control on public and private lands through its membership on a number of wild dog control committees.

For further information regarding wild dog aerial baiting contact your local Rural Lands Protection Board office.