Council acts to reduce wild dog threat

Whitsunday Regional Council will be acting to catch the wild dogs and ensure the safety of residents and their properties.

Council’s Director of Community & Environment, Julie Wright, said the foothold trapping program was designed to catch wild dogs, however asked residents to be aware and exercise caution with their domestic pets and livestock.

“We are asking residents to keep their pets safe and secure while we undertake this program,” she said.

“The trapping program will target a group of wild dogs which have been reported in the area near Paluma Road.”

“Council officers have undertaken a thorough assessment of the situation and will be taking action to reduce this threat using humane rubber-padded foothold traps.”

The program will begin by the end of February 2019 and Council will notify residents by letterdrop in the affected areas along Paluma Road in Woodwark. The program will be completed by the end of March 2019.

Council has strict pest control targets which are outlined in the Whitsunday Biosecurity Plan 2017 - 2020.

To find out more, you can view the Plan and further information on Council’s pest management strategies at www.whitsunday.qld.gov.au/353/Pest-and-weed-management

Wild dogs can cause a lot of damage to pets and livestock, and can badly affect native animal populations by preying on ground dwelling mammals, reptiles and birds.

Domestic dogs which roam or have been abandoned can add to the problems caused by wild dogs, and Council encourages responsible dog ownership by all pet owners.

Report sightings of wild dogs and uncontrolled domestic dogs to Council on 1300 WRC QLD (972 753) and encourage your neighbours to act responsibly.

For media enquiries, contact:Joanne Vlismas, Engagement & Marketing Coordinator 07 4945 0614, 0428 954 467 or Email: [email protected]