The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has warned holidaymakers travelling in regional Western Australia with their dogs to keep them safe from feral animal baits.
In a statement, the Department said the 1080 baits were used extensively by farmers and pastoralists on both private and Government lands.
DPIRD said the baits controlled feral pests, including wild dogs, foxes, pigs and rabbits, which threatened livestock and biodiversity.
“Tourists travelling with pet dogs are urged to put them on a lead, muzzle them when off the lead, or consider not taking them on holiday at all,” the Department said.
Regional Biosecurity Coordinator with DPIRD, Lindsay Strange said that while the use of 1080 baits was strictly regulated, pet owners needed to take responsibility for the safety of their animals as there was no antidote to 1080 poisoning.
“It is advisable to check with the landholder to see if baiting has been undertaken on the property before letting dogs roam free,” Mr Strange said.
“While landholders are required to erect signs to warn of baiting as part of a 1080 baiting permit, WA’s landscape is vast and travellers may not always see them,” he said.
Mr Strange said pet owners should avoid areas suitable for baiting like watercourses, tracks, fence lines, rock piles and posts and to keep pets on a lead or use a muzzle to prevent them eating a bait.
The Biosecurity Coordinator said 1080 was a naturally occurring toxin found in many Australian plants and most native animals had a high degree of tolerance to it, while most domestic animals were very sensitive.
