Spike in wild dog sightings reported across parts of the region

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is urging landowners to be on the lookout for wild dogs and report suspected sightings following a spike in livestock attacks.

Wild dogs are a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and landholders have a General Biosecurity Obligation to manage wild dogs on their property.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Environment Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said Council offers a range of assistance to help residents meet their biosecurity obligations.

“On larger, more isolated properties, it may be permissible for landholders to use bait, subject to obtaining a General Approval for this purpose from Queensland Health,” she said.

“Council’s Invasive Animal Control Subsidy offers landholders a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of 1080 baits, up to $750 per financial year.

“We can also assist landholders by undertaking camera surveillance and provide soft foot trapping under certain circumstances.

“Alternatively, landholders can work with feral animal control contractors and we provide a list of these contractors on our website along with information on our Scalp Bounty Program.”

Wild dogs include dingoes, hybrid dingoes and domestic dogs that have escaped or been abandoned and pose a potential threat to livestock, domestic animals and native wildlife.

Cr Steinhardt encouraged landholders to work together to manage wild dog populations.

“Working together with neighbouring landowners can significantly improve the success of control programs and help reduce livestock losses,” she said.

Cr Steinhardt said community awareness plays an important role in helping manage the issue.

“For rural areas like ours, wild dogs pose a serious threat to livestock and it’s illegal to move, keep or feed wild dogs,” she said.

"We urge residents, particularly those living in rural areas, to take sensible precautions to protect pets and livestock and to report any sightings or evidence of wild dog activity.”

The Pest Management team is available to assist landholders who have any questions in relation to wild dog control on their property and their eligibility for Council’s subsidy program.

Residents who observe wild dogs or evidence of wild dog activity are encouraged to contact Council's Pest Management team on 1300 005 872 or submit a report through Council's website.