Press Release

The Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) has welcomed the State Government’s commitment of $5million to assist in the fight to control wild dogs.

PGA Livestock and Wool Committee Chairman Digby Stretch said the funding, which will go towards significant upgrades to the State Barrier Fence will be of tremendous benefit to the WA livestock sector.

“Wild dogs are the most vicious and brutal predators in WA and their main prey are livestock, horses and pets,” Mr Stretch said.

“Attacks on livestock from wild dogs have now reached plague proportions and what was once considered to be only a ‘pastoral’ problem has now extended to the agricultural region.”

“Each year, producers in Western Australia lose livestock worth millions of dollars due to wild dog attacks.  While the financial loss of a single animal may range from $100-$500 wild dogs rarely attack just a single animal and they continue to kill and maim until the food source is exhausted, or the dogs have been destroyed.”

“The PGA has been working closely with State and Commonwealth Governments and Regional Bio-security Groups to ensure that a direct action approach is taken with wild dog control, including funding for the State Barrier fence, professional doggers, baiting programs and the implementation of a national bounty,” he said.

“The State Government, and in particular Agriculture Minister Terry Redman should be praised for listening to the concerns of industry and demonstrating their commitment to assisting in battling this scourge facing all Western Australian livestock producers.”