South Australia's pastoralists and land managers will be given hands on skills in the battle to stop the impacts of wild dogs in addition to the Marshall Liberal Government's $1.2 million trapping program.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the State and Commonwealth Government funded wild dog trappers will hold workshops across the state to provide producers with practical skills to protect South Australia's $4.3 billion livestock industry.
"The $1.2 million wild dog trapping program has been an important tool in assisting the livestock industry to reduce the damage from these pests," said Minister Whetstone.
"Expert trappers have been contracted to deliver workshops with producers in affected areas to relay some of the skills and tactics that are essential to kill wild dogs that are taking sheep.
"These workshops are a practical way to support our producers and complement the annual baiting programs in place.
"Participants will be on site for two nights, with professional trappers passing on the practical skills of trapping, as well as information on wild dog behaviour, trap maintenance, legislation and regulations relating to wild dog trapping, and health and safety.
"Participants will be able to take away a trapping kit so they can trap immediately following the workshop.
"A one-day workshop will also be held on a property between Burra and Morgan for landholders in the Mid North and Riverland."
Livestock SA President Joe Keynes urges any producer impacted by wild dogs to register for the workshops.
"Control of wild dogs is most effective when baiting, shooting and trapping are used as part of an integrated control program, and trapping is particularly useful for targeting dogs that avoid baits," said Mr Keynes.
"The chance to learn hands-on from professional trappers is not one to be missed, to protect your livestock and your land."
These workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.
The workshops, commencing on 22 September 2019, are being jointly delivered by Primary Industries and Regions SA with Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin and Natural Resources Northern and Yorke.
For more information on the workshops, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/wild-dog-workshops
