Kim Chance

Kim Chance

Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; the Mid West and Wheatbelt; Great Southern

    New strategy to control wild dogs

    29/09/2005 12:00 AM
     
    29/9/05

    Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today launched a seven-step strategy for managing wild dogs in Western Australia.

    Mr Chance said better planning and a co-ordinated community approach to manage the impact of wild dogs was the central theme of the seven-step plan.

    “These animals are having a serious impact on many producers and we need to build on the work being done in the areas of training doggers and helping landowners with the skills needed to deal with the problem,” he said.

    “The key is to ensure there is a common plan that brings the agricultural community together as part of the solution and makes all land managers responsible for playing their part.

    “This strategy was prepared by the State Wild Dog Management Advisory Committee following extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and shows us a strong and well-planned way forward.

    “The Gallop Government is protecting and enhancing WA’s environment.”

    The strategy, launched today in conjunction with the Agriculture Protection Board meeting, comprises seven components:
    • State-wide co-ordination of the wild dog control program;
    • implementation of ‘best practice’ wild dog management on both private and public lands;
    • targeted research for ‘best practice’ wild dog management;
    • a collaborative response by the community to the wild dog program;
    • encouragement for increased government participation including local government;
    • monitoring, evaluation and reporting of wild dog activity and impact; and
    • broader community awareness of wild dog issues.
    Mr Chance said the advisory committee, chaired by Michelle Allen, had identified effective pest management practices that required long-term commitment by the community and government.

    “If there was one simple, catch-all solution to this problem I can assure you the State Government would have seized upon it before,” he said.

    “The reality is that there is no single answer - it needs hard work from all interested parties and I can firmly commit the State Government to their share.

    “Aerial baiting, ground baiting, trapping, opportunistic shooting and possibly exclusion fencing in limited cases are all options we must consider but above all we need to recognise that if people do not fulfil their responsibilities and allow wild dogs to flourish on their land then it will impact on everyone.”

    Copies of the strategy will be sent to all shire councils, zone control authorities and producers in the pastoral area and adjacent agricultural areas for their input. The document is also available on the Department of Agriculture’s website at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au

    Minister's office: 9213 6700