Wild dogs are a serious agricultural and environmental problem in Australia. They cause economic impacts from livestock predation, and costs associated with their control are significant. Emotionally, producers can suffer personal trauma as a result of wild dogs attacking their livestock.

Wild dogs also threaten many native mammal, reptile and bird populations, through predation, competition and disease transmission.

The National Wild Dog Action Plan was created to coordinate a national approach for more consistent action across jurisdictions.

Greg Mifsud, National Wild Dog Facilitator with the Invasive Animals CRC and Action Plan representative said that it is excellent to see state plans directed towards nationally consistent management of wild dogs.

“Just over two years since the inception of the National Wild Dog Action Plan, we are seeing our goals met.

“We have now had Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia update their current wild dog strategic plans, and Queensland and New South Wales currently reviewing theirs,” Mr Mifsud said.

Aligning with these updated plans, are the creation of state-based wild dog advisory committees.

These committees have been created to advise state government policy and strategic direction on wild dog management, which includes both best practice control as well threatened species conservation.

“Wild dogs a real problem, affecting many!" Mr Mifsud said.

“It is also great to see the states acknowledge the need for local advice to shape state regional and local management plans.

“I am also pleased to see many members of the National Wild Dog Action Plan sit on these state committees as well, ensuring local knowledge informs this national problem,” Mr Mifsud sad.

For more information on the most recent state based wild dog strategic plans visit www.pestsmart.org.au