Northern Rivers: Warnings issued for wild dog breeding season after five domestic dogs killed

Authorities have issued warnings to dog owners after five reports – over two months – of domestic dogs being set on and killed in the Northern Rivers. See video.

Reports of wild dog packs attacking and killing domestic animals have prompted authorities to issue warnings to pet owners in the state’s north.

North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) has received five reports of domestic dogs being attacked and killed by wild dogs in the last two months.

“Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common occurrence at this time of year and although wild dogs can attack domestic dogs at any time, January to April is the time most attacks occur,” North Coast LLS team leader of invasive pests Dean Chamberlain said.

Wild Dog warnings have been issued by the Local Lands Service after five domestic dogs were killed in the past two months.

How to identify wild dogs on your property

“This is the time of the year, leading into the breeding season, when you will hear plenty of howling as wild dogs are establishing and maintaining their breeding territories,” Mr Chamberlain said.

“Domestic dogs are seen as an intruder and threat and so become a target for wild dogs.

“I have heard stories of wild dogs enticing domestic dogs away from their yards by acting friendly in a playful manner and for the domestic dog to be attacked by several wild dogs waiting further away.”

Wild dog: One of three caught in one week at Doug and Jan Cody's farm in Nashua.

Most wild dog attacks are fatal due to the severity of the injuries inflicted on domestic dogs. Any dogs that survive often require considerable veterinary care.

“These were beloved pets minding their own business on their own property and the impact on owners of their pet being attacked or killed cannot be underestimated,” Mr Chamberlain said.

Latest reports indicate wild dog packs have attacked alpacas, horses, cattle, poultry, wallabies, wombats, domestic pets and working dogs while mustering cattle.

A current baiting program is in operation along the Kyogle/Bentley Road.

North Coast Local Land Services have issued warnings to pet owners after a spate in pet kills from wild dogs. Picture: Local Land Services

Local Land Services control of wild dogs includes poisoning with 1080 baits, trapping with soft jaw leg hold traps and shooting, particularly when they are part of an integrated control approach.

GPS tracking collars and location monitoring with motion cameras are also used as part of LLS’s wild dog control strategy.

Landholder reporting of all sightings and stock loss is imperative. Sightings and wild dog attacks should be reported to your Local Land Services office.

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