Grazier John Cooper is looking forward to a more relaxed new year following his involvement in the latest Macarthur wild dog and fox baiting program.
Coordinated by Greater Sydney Local Land Services (GSLLS), the latest program, which wrapped up in December, was the largest targeted control campaign coordinated in the area to date.
GSLLS biosecurity officer Annaliese Geddes said the growing support of landholders throughout the Macarthur region had resulted in a highly collaborative, coordinated campaign aimed at reducing the impact of wild dogs and foxes in the area.
“Our latest efforts saw 34 landholders take part in a four week program using a variety of best practices pest animal control methods and multiple bait types,” she said.
“This work saw a total of 282 baits issues covering more than 1,702 hectares of private land.”
Mr Cooper said that prior to seeking advice and assistance from biosecurity experts, he suffered serious stock losses as a result of wild dog attacks.
“We used to have sheep on the property prior to running cattle – in the worst attack we lost 30 sheep that were brutally mauled and just left behind,” said the Oakdale grazier.
“It was a horrible experience to go through and made us very concerned about the safety of our animals as well as our young grandchildren who regularly visit our property,” Mr Cooper said.
The Oakdale farmer described the support of the Greater Sydney biosecurity team as “absolutely fantastic’’.
“They have been terrific, nothing is too hard for them and they have been available around the clock,” he said.
“It’s important that we as landholders are proactive when it comes to managing our land, we can’t do it all ourselves and neither can the authorities.”
He encouraged landholders to seek out training opportunities and advice wherever possible.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I highly recommend doing a baiting program – you learn so much, not just from the experts but from other landholders as well.”[/social_quote]
Ms Geddes encouraged the Macarthur community to report sightings of dogs without collars, howling and attacks on livestock to Greater Sydney Local Land Services.
“We also urge landholders in the region to get in touch if they need help in managing pest animals,” she said.
“The more people involved the better.”
♦ To find out more, visit Greater Sydney Local Land Services online here.
