Council introduces new wild dog scalp bounty procedures

Balonne Shire Council has reviewed and updated its wild dog scalp bounty procedures to ensure more detailed information is collected on where the dogs were found and to reduce any chance of potential payment fraud.

Director Community & Environmental Services Dr Digby Whyte said the review would provide greater guidance and improved requirements for recording and submitting wild dog scalps to Council for bounty payment.

“The changes are a response to concerns from Councillors and an internal audit which revealed the process needs to be more robust to ensure dog scalps presented come from within Balonne Shire, that dog and location data be better captured and utilised and that payment and disposal processes are tightened to reduce any potential for fraud,” he said.

“I encourage trappers to contact our Rural Services team should they have any questions or need advice regarding these new requirements.”

To be eligible to claim the wild dog bounty or retainer and receive payment the following conditions must be met:

Letter from the landowner or manager of the property confirming wild dogs are from their property Commonwealth Statutory Declaration form signed by the applicant at point of making the claim that dogs were taken from identified Balonne Shire properties. GPS points and dog photo lodged on the Feral Scan App (to be registered with Council). A copy of the applicant’s driver’s licence to accompany their first claim. Scalps to be delivered to the Council Office and sighted by an Authorised Council Officer for the officer to sign off the application and scalp destruction forms Full scalps only to be presented, to be dried or frozen, without decomposition and in a sealed bag/container

The Feral Scan App is a new requirement and provides a number of benefits: 

Records wild dogs, photo, their damage and control activities in the one place Data can be mapped and printed to aid planning Helps identify control areas on properties and localities to coordinate with local groups. Monitors data over time and the effectiveness of control programs Aids informing the community and accessing information and assistance

Further information and templates of the landholder letter and Commonwealth Statutory Declaration can be found here