North Coast Local Land Services is holding a Wild Dog Information Day to equip landholders with the knowledge they need to manage these feral animals on their properties.

It’s on July 5 at the Ladies Auxiliary Hall in Wauchope Showground from 9am to 3.30pm.  It’s free, and morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Vertebrate pests have a huge impact on the agricultural industry as well as the environment. The information day will offer landholders the opportunity to learn more about wild dogs in our area and what can be done to combat them.

Wild dog control in New South Wales is legislated by the Local Land Services Act 2013 that requires owners and occupiers of land to manage wild dogs on their property.

Wild dogs are considered a serious pest in Australia attacking livestock and native animals, potentially spreading diseases and threatening human health, safety and wellbeing.  

Wild dog attacks on livestock and pets, lethal or otherwise, also cause emotional distress to landholders.

“We work collaboratively with local landholders and it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to learn how to manage the problem,” said Dean Chamberlain, Team Leader Invasive Species.

The information day includes extensive hands-on practice plus presentations on identifying wild dog signs and evaluating the impact of wild dogs on native animals, farmers and others, tuning and setting traps and planning effective wild dog control programs.

“Participation in these Information Days will give people the confidence, knowledge and training that is needed to quickly and efficiently control problematic wild dogs,” added Dean.

He said wild dog control is more effective when neighbours collaborate, and that wild dog baiting programs, combined with trapping and shooting, are the most cost-effective method.

The information day will include presentations from North Coast Local Land Services Biosecurity Officers who have expert knowledge of local conditions and wild dog hot spots.

They will be joined by Stuart Boyd-Law who has more than 20 years experience in pest management.

Registration is essential by contacting your Biosecurity Officer at North Coast Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or 6563 6700.