August 11, 2014
Toowoomba Regional Council’s next wild dog baiting campaign will run from August 25-28.
Pest Management Advisory Committee chair Cr Anne Glasheen said an integrated approach including shooting, trapping, exclusion fences, the use of herd protection animals and baiting was the most effective way to control wild dogs.
“We need rural communities to unite behind an integrated approach as the best way forward is together. The effectiveness of these campaigns is only restricted by a lack of participation,” Cr Glasheen said.
“Council has been working hard with a wide cross-section of the community and other local government and state bodies to develop a cohesive, effective wild dog plan as part of its larger Pest Management Plan for 2014-18.
“The key to its success is there is strength in numbers. We need to unite behind this and fight back against a growing number of wild dogs.”
Cr Glasheen reminded landowners they had an obligation under the Land Protection Act 2002 to control wild dogs.
“Council assists landowners … by offering a 1080 baiting service. This is co-ordinated by Council throughout the year and targets feral predator populations and timed to coincide with the biology of the target animal.”
Pest Management Advisory Committee member Cr Nancy Sommerfield said land holders needed to take advantage of these co-ordinated campaigns.
“There are a lot of young dogs around at the moment and we rely on landholders for their local knowledge,” she said. “They know their properties, the best locations to place the baits and how many baits they will need,” Cr Soomerfield said.
“The more land-holders are involved in the program the better. If a couple of landholders in an area fail to participate it not only reduces the effectiveness of the program in their area, but also creates a ripple effect across a much broader area.
“With the recent rain there will be a number of young dogs out exploring and on the move. Now is the time to do your bit and catch up with your neighbours to hit back at this menace.”
