UPDATED: LIVESTOCK producers across SA are rejoicing with the state government making good on its election promise to fund two full-time, wild dog trappers.
As previously reported in Stock Journal, the previous state Labor government had refused to fund a wild dog trapper after federal government funding ran out in March 2016.
However in May last year the Liberals pledged, if elected, they would fund two positions, to get wild dog numbers under control.
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In its announcement today the new state government has also pledged an additional $200,000 for one of the largest coordinated wild dog baiting programs ever undertaken in SA.
Minister for Primary Industries Tim Whetstone says landholders in pastoral areas will be provided with more than 100,000 manufactured and fresh meat baits.
This is in addition to the 180,000 baits, which have been supplied through the Biteback program this year.
“Recognising the urgency to address the impact of wild dogs on SA’s livestock, the trappers will commence on July 1 this year and their efforts will go a long way to reducing wild dog numbers, especially those that live and breed inside the wild Dog Fence,” Mr Whetstone said.
“In addition to the dog trappers, we are providing extra funding for the baiting program to help producers get on top of SA’s wild dog problem with the first component of the baiting program involving an aerial baiting campaign which will target wild dog hotspots inside the Dog Fence, between Coober Pedy and the NSW border.
At the same time as baits are raining down Mr Whetstone said pastoralists in the area would also be provided with a one-off allocation of free baits.
Livestock SA has welcomed the government’s pledge to protect the state’s $4.7 billion livestock industry.
Livestock SA president Joe Keynes said wild dogs were an increasing threat to the sector.
“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 SA, like the Adelaide Hills.
“We have to be doing more to control these wild dogs now before the worst happens.”
Mr Keynes said Livestock SA was ready to work with the state government, the SA Wild Dog Advisory Group and other parties to present a coordinated program.
“(This) 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,” he said.