One year of protecting wild dogs in north-west Victoria: The cost to SA producers
One year after the Victorian Government’s abrupt decision to reinstate dingo protections in north-west Victoria, Livestock SA has again raised serious concerns about the impact on South Australian livestock producers and border communities.
Livestock SA CEO Travis Tobin said the decision has already seen considerable impacts for Victorian producers and led to a surge in wild dog activity in South Australia.
“Since the decision, there have been 26 separate reports of wild dog sightings and attacks in Ngarkat Conservation Park and nearby properties, including three livestock attacks.”
Wild dogs were effectively eradicated from the Ngarkat Conservation Park and nearby properties by quarterly baiting programs, which commenced in the mid-1990’s. However, with wild dogs in low numbers for almost 30 years, the devastating nature of wild dog impacts appear to have been forgotten.
During the 1980’s and early 1990’s there were many producers having several hundred sheep attacked per year. Dogs attacking and chasing flocks reduced ewe conception rates by up to 50 per cent and increased abortion rates. Of the lambs born, lamb marking percentages were reduced by up to 50 per cent and wool quality declined, resulting in lower prices.
“Producers and local councils are deeply concerned that they are going to face these destructive impacts again. There have been public calls for professional trappers to help contain the problem.”
Hot, dry conditions have exacerbated the issue, with wild dog and fox impacts worsening.
“Producers are already battling drought with some of the driest conditions on record, along with volatile markets. Increased wild dog attacks add further unnecessary pressure.”
“Wild dogs pose a major threat to the livestock industry, with national production losses estimated at $89 million annually. On average, producers spend 26 days per year managing the problem.”
“Before major investments by the South Australian Government and the sheep industry, wild dogs killed 20,000 sheep annually in SA, costing producers over $4 million per year and causing significant stress and hardship.”
“The $28 million Dog Fence Rebuild Project in SA’s northern regions has successfully reduced wild dog numbers and livestock losses. But this progress depends on strong, clear legislation and policies.”
“As the South Australian Government considers changes to the unprotected species list as part of the draft Biodiversity Bill, the consequences of Victoria’s decision should serve as a stark warning.”