South Burnett council’s plan to tackle feral dogs, pigs

The South Burnett Regional Council has set aside $1.16 million to tackle the region’s animals problems and has urged landowners to get on board, offering free meat for bait. Vote in our poll:

The South Burnett Regional Council has set aside $1.16 million for animal control compliance, urging landowners to join the initiative, with free meat offered to participants.

In an effort to combat the increasing threat of wild dogs and feral pigs, the South Burnett Regional Council has announced a coordinated control program to start in September.

The pests pose serious biosecurity risks, cause livestock losses and endanger native fauna.

A council spokesman said feral pigs could carry emergency animal diseases, like Foot and Mouth and African Swine Fever.

“Participation in this coordinated program will assist in suppressing the feral pig population across a more extensive area of our region,” the spokesman said.

The council has allocated $1.16 million for the 2023-2024 animal control compliance budget, including $200,000 from the Queensland Feral Pests Initiative.

To address the situation and protect the region's agricultural and environmental interests, it has urged rural landowners to participate in the program, with domestic and working dog owners warned to take precautions to protect their pets.

Wild dogs pose serious biosecurity risks, causing livestock losses and endangering native fauna.

“It is recommended to restrain or muzzle dogs during the baiting period to minimise the risk of dogs wandering and coming into contact with poison baits,” he said.

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With landowners collaborating in this initiative, the feral pig population can be significantly reduced across a broader area, he said.

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Council will offer free meat to those who register.

Baiting stations will be set up throughout the region from September 1-8, and interested participants must register their intention to conduct baiting no later than August 24.

South Burnett Regional Council and Scott Henschen were contacted for comment.

Originally published as South Burnett council’s plan to tackle feral dogs, pigs