Autumn Aerial Baiting Underway

THE Local Land Services have begun aerial and ground baiting in the Hunter to combat the wild dog problem.

There are more than 180 landholders participating in the program from Lostock to Scone, covering 755 kilometres and dropping more than 31,000 baits.

Luke Booth, biosecurity team leader said it was a credit to the community so many landowners were supporting the program, despite ongoing drought conditions.

“We know how tough it is for so many producers at the moment and we are conscious of the added pressure many are under caring for their livestock and properties,” said Mr Booth.

“Controlling pest species is an important part of managing through drought and Hunter Local Land Services is working with landholders to help them remove problem wild dogs and other feral animals impacting their properties,” he said.

“When we all work together across the region, that’s when we can have the most success at removing wild dogs, and given the current conditions are impacting animal health and making some animals vulnerable to more predators it is more important than ever,” Luke Booth said.

Further baiting is planned for later this year, when it is hoped drought conditions have eased and baits being used have been modified for drought conditions.

Aerial and ground baiting programs are underway for wild dog control across the Hunter.