April 8, 2013

Landholders have been advised to restrain or muzzle their dogs as the South Burnett Regional Council embarks on another round of dingo baiting throughout the region.

Poison baits will be distributed in Kingaroy, Kumbia, Cloyna, Murgon, Wondai and Nanango next month.

Council has reminded landholders that they have a legislative responsibility to control declared pests and is urging them to take part in the co-ordinated program.

It says wild dogs have a major financial impact through stock loss.

The baiting is being run in conjunction with Biosecurity Queensland.

Landholders who would like to take part, should contact council’s Stock Route and Pest Office Kerry Hayes on (07) 4189-9312 before May 3.

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An alternative view from Dr Lee Allen, a zoologist with Biosecurity Queensland, is that dog baiting actually increases stock loss.

Talking to ABC Radio last month, Dr Allen said research had proven that properties that baited had more stock losses than those with a dog population but no baiting program.

This was because of changes in the social organisation of the dog pack.