NSW DPI, director invasive species, Glen Saunders, said wild dog numbers are on the rise off the back of improved seasonal conditions right across the state.

“Wild dog populations are spreading right along the Great Dividing Range and we are also receiving increasing reports from both coastal and western areas, including Bourke, Wanaaring, Tibooburra, White Cliffs and Broken Hill,” Dr Saunders said.

“Landholders play a critical role in the fight against wild dogs and are being urged to formally report all wild dog activity to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) or local wild dog association.

“Accurate information on wild dog activity will help NSW authorities plan control operations, including aerial baiting, which is coordinated by the LHPAs.

“This data will also inform the comprehensive wild dog management strategy that NSW DPI, along with the LHPA, NSW Farmers and other agencies, are now finalising,” Dr Saunders said.

NSW Farmers president Fiona Simson said wild dogs are a major issue for the state’s farmers.

“To effectively manage the wild dog problem in NSW, a strategic management regime is required

which may include baiting, trapping or culling wild dogs as appropriate locally,” Ms Simson said.

“We support NSW DPI’s call for all land managers to report sightings and attacks as time is of the essence especially when dogs are infiltrating new areas.

“Wild dogs are a whole of community issue and it’s important that all land managers – not just farmers – are monitoring wild dogs,” he said.