BAITING programs will commence sooner than expected in an effort to drive down wild dog numbers in the region, Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) has advised.
Pest management officer James Eastwell said council was aware feral dog numbers had jumped in certain areas of the Southern Downs and it wanted to stop the rise.
“At the last Wild Dog Advisory Group meeting, it was decided to run a baiting round sooner rather than later as there were a lot of reports of young dogs being seen and stock being bitten and killed,” Mr Eastwell said.
“We believe previous baiting campaigns have been successful as less adult dogs are being seen.
“We now need to take swift action to reduce the amount of young dogs reaching maturity and breeding.
“Our usual schedule of days and times has changed, so we urge landowners to please read our flyers carefully.”
The first 2015 baiting program will be held on 24 February in the southern part of the region and from 25 to 27 February in the northern part of the SDRC area.
The program involves council local laws officers baiting meat for local landowners at baiting stations located around the region.
While council efforts are making inroads, this will only improve if more landholders become involved in the program, Mr Eastwell stressed.
“Landowners must involve themselves in the shooting, trapping and baiting of wild dogs as a combined effort on control measures,” he said.
“Bounties of $100 for adult wild dogs and $50 for pups continue to be offered as reward.
“By combining the baiting program with hunting, trapping and shooting, this will cover a larger geographical area than that of baiting alone and will increase the long-term benefits of the program.
“Wild dogs are not only damaging and costly to our community but they are potentially dangerous to the health of people, pets and livestock.”
Anyone wishing to get involved should contact council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or go to www.sdrc.qld.gov.au for further information.
