PGA Wild Dog Control spokesman Will Scott said the funding allocation showed the State Government was finally beginning to recognize the devastating impact of wild dogs on livestock producers and rural communities, and encouraged other NRM groups to apply for similar funding.

“Wild dogs are the most vicious and brutal predators in WA, and their attacks on livestock have now reached plague proportions,” Mr. Scott said.

“What was once considered to be only a ‘pastoral’ problem has now extended to the agricultural region, and each year West Australian livestock producers lose millions of dollars due to wild dog attacks.”

“The only way to deal with this scourge on the WA landscape is through NRM, Bio-Security, and Industry groups working with State and Federal Governments to ensure direct action on wild dog control, including increases in funding for baiting programs, professional doggers, and the implementation of a national bounty program.”

“Wild Dogs have all but wiped out the Southern Rangelands pastoral industry, and without this direct action, the northern and eastern fringes of the Agricultural Region are in danger of following suit.”