The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has developed a new strategy to manage wild dogs, with the aim of reducing the multi-million dollar impact they have on the economy, environment and social amenity.
The Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG) at the Department developed the five-year Queensland wild dog management strategy 2021-2026 in consultation with stakeholders.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said the Strategy provided Statewide coordination and direction to wild dog management.
“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 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,” he said.
Member of the QDOG and General Manager, Invasive Plants and Animals at Biosecurity Queensland, John Robertson said under the Strategy, control methods would be applied in a coordinated and cooperative manner across all land tenures by all stakeholders “at a landscape scale rather than at a property level”.
“Wild dogs are present in all areas of Queensland and can have a negative effect on agricultural production, human health and native fauna,” Dr Robertson said.
“Their number can vary over time and is difficult to quantify due to their highly mobile nature,” he said.
“They cause production losses due to loss of livestock, harassment of livestock, disease, cost of control and changes in production methods,” Dr Robertson said.
The 16-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
