On The Land
10 December, 2021
Strategy to keep wild dogs at bay
A NEW strategy to manage wild dogs in Queensland aims to reduce the multi-million dollar impact of the pests on the economy, environment and social amenity.
Minister for Agricultural, Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG) developed the new five-year strategy in consultation with stakeholders.
“The Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy 2021- 2026 provides state-wide coordination and direction to wild dog management,” Mr Furner said. “The focus is on cooperative management to minimise the negative impacts of wild dogs.
“Stakeholders, including land managers, government and the community, will have a shared responsibility, working together to deliver effective, coordinated and humane management of wild dogs.”
Mr Furner said the new Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy was developed following an evaluation of the previous strategy which identified and recommended improvements.
“QDOG will now take responsibility for overseeing the strategy and priorities for Queensland, advising the government and reporting on the strategy’s progress which will be measured against key performance indicators,” Mr Furner said.
QDOG member Dr John Robertson said best practice was a co-operative, nil-tenure approach to managing wild dogs which engaged all stakeholders.
“Under this model, control methods are applied in a coordinated and cooperative manner across all land tenures by all stakeholders at a landscape scale rather than at a property level,” Dr Robertson said.
Wild dogs are present in all areas of Queensland and can have a negative effect on agricultural production, human health and native fauna.
Their number can vary over time and is difficult to quantify due to their highly mobile nature.
In Queensland, wild dogs are estimated to cause losses of $24.9 million to the cattle industry, $16.9 million to the sheep and goat industries, $5.2 million associated with livestock disease management and $19.9 million in associated management costs.
The new Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy 2021-2026 can be viewed online at www.daf.qld.gov.au
