Wild dog monitoring program continues in Tom Price

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White is assuring community members that the Shire is continuously monitoring wild dog activity in and around the townsite of Tom Price.

“Living in the Pilbara means we enjoy a rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty and vast, vibrant landscapes but we also share this land with native wildlife”, said Councillor White.

“Community members are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surrounding environment and to report all sightings of wild dogs to the Shire of Ashburton.

“The term wild dog collectively refers to dingoes, feral domestic dogs and hybrids between the two, all of which are classified as the same species.

“It is important to understand that almost every wild dingo population in Australia consists of hybrid animals and as such, these dogs are not protected and are listed as a declared pest.

“In also recognising the traits of the dingo, they are extremely territorial and tend to stay close to their place of birth and return to breed, which is why we see a higher level of reported sightings on a cyclical basis.

“Our ranger services team is aware of numerous recent sightings and encounters with wild dogs in our community and in addition to their regular monitoring, have increased the number of early morning and late evening patrols being conducted.

“With public safety as our foremost priority, ranger services have located and euthanised 13 wild dogs since February and are aware that a further six dogs remain in and around Tom Price.

“These dogs are mostly juvenile dogs from last year’s breeding season who have not yet had any negative experiences with people and therefore their behaviour is a lot bolder than would be the case in adults dogs.

“Community members are encouraged to ensure their property is free from waste and food scraps as these dogs are most likely looking for an easy source of food and to never feed a wild dog.

“While wild dogs pose very little risk to public safety, an encounter with one and even their presence can be unsettling to some people.

“If you encounter a wild dog and feel threatened, stand still at full height and fold your arms across your chest, facing the animal and then slowly backing away. Confidently call for help but do not run or wave your arms and ensure children are kept within arm’s reach.

“The Shire will maintain additional efforts to remove the remaining known dogs and monitor for any other increase in population”.

Sightings and encounters need to be reported directly to the Shire. You can complete a Customer Action Request Form, available on the home page of the Shire’s website or call anytime on 08 9188 4444.

For media information contact:

Alison Lennon, Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

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