Workshop for farmers to tackle wild dogs

Farmers and graziers affected by wild dogs are invited to a two-day, wild dog trapping workshop being held at the Goomeri Caravan and Bush Camp from 10-11 August. The hands-on workshop, which costs $150 per person, is being offered by Gympie Regional Council in partnership with Out ‘N’ About Trapping & Outfitters and Northern Trapping.

The workshop will cover topics such as habitat and tracking, lure and lure making, traps and trap set up, as well as the biosecurity obligations of landholders and camera and surveillance techniques.

Councillor Daryl Dodt said that attacks by wild dogs on livestock and domestic pets are extremely distressing for many graziers and farmers. “Giving graziers and farmers the skills and know-how so they can manage the problem of wild dogs on their own properties is a key part of Council’s wild dog management strategy.”

Cr Dodt said that while wild dogs can certainly be destructive to livestock and native wildlife, they can also play a role in the broader ecosystem by killing foxes, feral cats or rabbits. “Our goal is not to eradicate wild dogs because, when their populations are well managed, they play an important part in a balanced ecosystem,” he said.

Councillor Daryl Dodt said that managing wild dogs requires a partnership approach. “Wild dog management is a shared responsibility of council, along with state and federal governments and private landholders,” he said. “It is only by working in partnership that we will see the best results.”

To find out more about the workshop, visit https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/weeds-and-pest-animal-control, or call 0477 444 068. Spaces are limited.