The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development says a total of $750,000 has been allocated to maintain on-ground control measures to help protect the State’s $1.6 billion sheep industry from the threat of wild dogs.
In a statement, the Department said the funding would ensure the services of eight full-time-equivalent licensed pest management technicians for another year to control the dogs inside the State Barrier Fence and adjacent buffer zone.
“The technicians, or doggers, are employed by six Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs) to manage the impact of wild dogs on Government land through baiting and trapping,” the Department said.
“Their activities form part of an integrated pest control program under the WA Wild Dog Action Plan.”
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Alannah MacTiernan said extending the funding would mean the good work done by the doggers and RBGs to protect the State’s sheep industry could continue.
“The State Government has invested extensively in protecting livestock from wild dogs, including a $5.8 million four-year program to replace, repair and maintain the State Barrier Fence and access tracks, and $6.9 million to construct the Esperance Extension of the State Barrier Fence,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The Government is looking to continue its strategic State-wide management approach to wild dogs, with work under way on a new action plan extending to 2024.”
