Mayor Paul Antonio concerned by wild dog numbers across region, after drop in scalps recorded by Toowoomba Regional Council

The number of wild dog scalps dropped in 2020, and Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio has expressed concerns about the number of animals in the west of the region.

Wild dogs. Photo by Lee Allen

Mayor Paul Antonio says the wild dog problem in the western Toowoomba region has continued to get worse, despite the council reporting lower scalp in 2020.

The Toowoomba Regional Council’s environment and community group revealed last year’s wild dog statistics at the December ordinary meeting, with the figures showing just 236 scalps of wild dogs were collected in 2020.

This is nearly half of the 2019 figure of 531, with acting group general manager Bronwyn Herbert pointing to the drop in the value of a scalp from $50 to $30.

In comparison, the Southern Downs Regional Council offers $100 for an adult wild dog scalp.

Ms Herbert also noted that participation in 1080 baiting programs was well up from 2019, arguing there had been a decline in wild dog incidents across the region.

But Cr Antonio, who owns farmland near Millmerran, said he had serious concerns over the issue, pointing to a lack of land management from the State Government.

“They have a significant input and impact on us — there is something in the order of 70 dogs killed on our acreage in Millmerran,” he said.

“We use dog callers and drones and cameras (but) the dogs are getting worse and worse – I think there’s a degree of frustration around baiting, but we’re not on our own.

“The land is neglected by the owners, the State Government.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but I think it’s working together with the land owners and having bounties that make it worth going out and spending the time.”

For more information, head to the TRC website.