Desperate killer dogs on the hunt

Andrew Korner | 10th July 2009

FARMERS in the Fassifern Valley say the wild dog threat to livestock is worsening as dingo crossbreeds become increasingly fearless and desperate for food.

Roadvale sheep farmer Claire Ekas has spent a massive amount of money to build an electric fence around her and husband Frank's 80 hectare property.

To give some sort of indication of the severity of the problem, the last 250 metre section of fence was completed last August for $2000.

Mrs Ekas said these were the lengths she was forced to go to, to prevent further losses.

“We had three Alsatian crosses last year and then a red dingo bitch that kept coming back - she was recently spotted with seven pups,” Mrs Ekas said.

“The problem with these dingoes is that they have crossbred with domestic dogs and they are no longer afraid of humans.

“From my perspective I think these dogs will wipe out the sheep in Australia.”

Scenic Rim Regional Council takes part in co-ordinated baiting and trapping programs, however farmers like Robert Hoffmann, also from Roadvale, live too close to built-up areas to take part in baiting.

Mr Hoffmann lost a 12-month-old heifer to wild dogs only a fortnight ago and said council wasn't doing enough.

“Council offers a $26 bounty - it's not really much of an incentive,” he said.

“We can't bait because of our location - we are within one kilometre of town and we are right next to the primary school.”

A Scenic Rim Council spokeswoman said trapping could be conducted in the area if requested.

“As per State Government regulations, council cannot lay baits closer than 1km to any habitation and at least 80 per cent of people residing in that area must agree in writing to a baiting program for it to commence,” she said.

“Also, everybody within a 2km radius must be notified in writing 72 hours prior to the program commencing.

“No baits can be laid within 5km of a township without a state land protection officer's approval.”

Affected landowners can call council for more information.