Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs - An Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre Project - CABI
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Glovebox Guide for
Managing Wild Dogs
Benjamin Lee Allen
An Invasive Animals Cooperative
Research Centre Project
Department of Agriculture
and Water Resources
Website: www.pestsmart.org.au
This publication is licensed under a Creative Disclaimer: The information contained in this
Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence, except publication has been prepared with care and is
for photographic and graphical images contained based on knowledge and understanding at the time
within it. Photographs and other graphical material of writing (June 2016). Some of the information in
must not be acquired, stored, copied, displayed this document is provided by third parties, and all
and printed or otherwise reproduced — including information is provided “as is”, without warranty
by electronic means — for any purpose unless prior of any kind, to the extent permitted by law. After
written permission has been obtained from the publication, circumstances may change and before
copyright owner. Copyright of photographs and other elying on this information the user needs to take care
graphical material is variously owned by Invasive to update as necessary.
Animals Ltd, individuals and corporate entities. For
NO PRODUCT PREFERENCES: The product trade
further details, please contact the Communications
names in this publication are supplied on the
Manager, Invasive Animals Ltd.
understanding that no preference between equivalent
The Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia products is intended and that the inclusion of a
licence allows you to copy, distribute, transmit product name does not imply endorsement over any
and adapt material in this publication, subject to equivalent product from another manufacturer.
the exception for photographic and other graphic
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL: Users of agricultural or
material set out above, and provided you attribute
veterinary chemical products must always read the
the work as shown below. The licence does not
label and any permit, before using a product, and
transfer ownership of the copyright.
must strictly comply with the directions on the label
A summary of the licence terms is at: and the conditions of any permit. Users are not
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en absolved from compliance with the directions on the
label or the conditions of the permit by reason of
© Invasive Animals Ltd any statement made or not made in this publication.
Citation: Allen BL (2016). Glovebox Guide for The IA CRC gratefully acknowledges The National
Managing Wild Dogs. Second edition. PestSmart Wild Dog Action Plan (NWDAP) for funding support
Toolkit publication. Invasive Animals Cooperative for the publication of this document.
Research Centre, Canberra, ACT
Cover image: Lee Allen.
Print ISBN: 978-1-921777-39-4
Web ISBN: 978-1-921777-40-0
Published by: Invasive Animals Cooperative Research
Centre
ii Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs
Glovebox Guide for
Managing Wild Dogs
Benjamin Lee Allen
An Invasive Animals Cooperative
Research Centre Project
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 1Image: Lee Allen
Contents
1. About this guide........................... 3 5. Working dog safety.......................14
Risks to working dogs....................... 14
2. Wild dog ecology........................... 4
First aid for your working dog............. 15
Impacts.........................................7
1080 poisoning............................ 15
3. Identifying wild dogs and PAPP poisoning............................ 15
their impacts.............................. 8 Trap / foot injuries....................... 17
Detecting the presence of wild dogs and
6. Policy and legislation....................18
their impacts...................................8
Legal status and management............. 18
Distinguishing between wild dog, fox, cat
More information............................ 21
and quoll tracks...............................9
More information..............................9 7. Notes.................... inside back cover
4. Management tools and strategies.....10
Tools to control wild dogs.................. 10
Strategies to control wild dogs............ 11
Choosing the right control tool............ 12
More information............................ 13
2 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs1. About this guide
This Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild guide seeks to enable best-practice wild
Dogs is a general guide to managing dog management by providing broadly
populations of wild dogs in Australia. applicable information on:
This guide uses the term ‘wild dogs’ to • wild dog ecology
describe any wild-living members of the • identifying wild dogs and their impacts
genus Canis, including pure dingoes, feral
• management tools and strategies
domestic dogs and crossbreds between
the two. Wild dogs present significant • working dog safety
economic, environmental and social • policy and legislation.
impacts in many places, but are also This glovebox guide does not cover all the
viewed as an important part of most details of wild dog management, so you
mainland environments. should consider participation in developing
The need to manage wild dogs for their community wild dog management plans
impacts has not diminished in the last or enrolment in recognised vertebrate
200 years. There might be new laws or pest management courses. For more
different control tools and strategies, information on wild dog management visit
but the principles remain the same. This www.pestsmart.org.au.
Image: Richard Ali
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 32. Wild dog ecology
Taxonomic names:
Canis lupus dingo
Canis lupus familiaris
Canis familiaris dingo
Canis dingo
Canis familiaris (feral/wild dogs)
Common names:
Wild dog, dingo, feral dog Image: Peter Fleming
Description Pathways of spread
Wild dogs have a variety of coat colours. The colonisation of the dingo began
In order of occurrence, the most common in northern Australia where it was
colours are ginger (red to sandy), black introduced via south-east Asia about
and tan (often with a white chest patch), 5000 years ago. Dingoes spread across
white, or black. Other coat colours the mainland within about 500 years
found are sable (with a dark ridgeline after introduction, possibly assisted
like German shepherds), brindle (faintly by Aboriginal people. Other breeds of
striped), patchy white and ginger, or domesticated dogs were later brought
patchy white and black. Many wild dogs to Australia with European settlers and
also have five ‘white points’ (white toes/ spread from southeastern Australia.
feet, socks and a white tail tip), but you
The greatest densities of pure dingoes
can’t tell how pure an animal is by its coat
live in northwestern Australia, while
colour. Dew claws might be present or
the greatest densities of hybrids live in
absent.
southeastern Australia. A decline in the
Wild dogs vary in size, but most are use of netting fences and inefficient
similar in size and shape to kelpies. Adults or relaxed lethal control is predicted
are usually slender and weigh 15–16 kg on to result in an increase in wild dog
average, although some individuals and populations in areas where they are
populations might be considerably larger, presently in low numbers (ie areas inside
weighing over 20 kg. Feral domestic dogs the national dog fence).
weighing up to 70 kg have been captured
in the wild.
4 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsDistribution and abundance Image: Lee Allen
Derived from wolves in eastern Asia
about 10-15,000 years ago, dingoes
are also found across southeast Asia.
Similar subspecies of wolf are found
in other parts of the world. Wild dogs
(including dingoes) are present across
all of mainland Australia, although their
abundance varies between regions.
Wild dogs were once locally eradicated
from many parts of southeastern and
southwestern Australia (ie inside wild
dog barrier fences), where they had been
intensely persecuted after European species of all sizes. They prefer small-
settlement. Wild dogs are now present to-medium sized (less than 15 kg)
in these areas in low numbers and are mammals (such as rodents, rabbits and
becoming more common. They are bandicoots) although larger species (such
naturally sparse in central Australian as kangaroos) can be staple prey when
areas where water is unavailable. Only available. Invertebrates and vegetation
feral domestic dogs are present in some are also commonly found in wild dog
parts of Tasmania. Wild dogs are present diets. Wild dogs are also scavengers,
on several offshore islands. eating carrion, rubbish and a range of
fruits, vegetables and eggs according to
Habitat description
opportunity and need.
Wild dogs occur in all habitat types on
Wild dogs eat prey equal to about one
mainland Australia, including alpine,
fifth (20%) of their body weight each day.
desert, temperate forests, rainforests,
They need up to 12% of their body weight
meadows, grasslands, and agricultural
in water per day in summer, although
and urban environments. They reach
a lot of this can be supplied from the
their highest densities around human-
blood and other fluids found in prey. They
dominated habitats and regions with
might not drink freely available water for
high-density prey populations, such as
several days at a time.
areas with many rabbits.
Reproduction
Nutrition
Wild dogs are annual breeders, with
Wild dogs are predominantly carnivores,
female pro-oestrus and oestrus periods
and are an opportunistic predator of
generally lasting 10–12 days or possibly
a variety of mammal, bird and reptile
up to 60 days. Mating usually occurs in
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 5and continues through to the onset of
Image: Lee Allen
breeding in winter. Wild dogs have been
recorded dispersing over 550 km in less
than one month, or travelling 1300 km in
four months. Larger-than-average males
typically disperse further and more often.
These lifecycle stages mean that wild
dogs are most active in autumn and
early winter. There is usually an increase
April–May, with pups born about two in observed tracks, scratches, scats,
months later. Breeding sometimes howling and other signs around this time.
happens at other times of year, although Wild dogs are most quiet in late winter
this is uncommon. Females produce an and spring, when they are busy raising
average of five pups in each litter (range pups. It is common for signs of wild dogs
1–11). The onset and extent of breeding to ‘disappear’ for several months when
varies significantly between regions, they are actually still there, but not seen.
and is influenced by a range of factors Biological and behavioural
including age, social status, latitude, weaknesses
seasonal conditions and genetic purity.
Feral domestic dogs might be capable of Wild dogs are top-order predators and
producing pups more than once each year, have few natural predators besides
although environmental and energetic humans. Pups can be vulnerable to birds
constraints probably prevent this in wild- of prey and other predators, such as
living dogs. foxes, cats, snakes or goannas. Although
wild dogs do not need to drink free water
Lifecycle stages on a daily basis, the distribution of arid-
Pups are born after a gestation period zone populations is usually linked to the
of 61–69 days. Milk production lasts less availability of water.
than two months and pups are weaned Potential uses
gradually. Females usually breed from
two years of age, and males reach Wild dogs are considered a pest animal
sexual maturity from one year of age. in most states and territories, although
Wild dogs can live up to about 13 years some recent studies suggest they might be
in the wild (up to 20 years in captivity), useful for indirectly reducing the impacts
although it is unusual for animals to live of foxes and feral cats on small prey
longer than five to six years. Most don’t species. Wild dogs can also be useful for
survive beyond four years. Dispersal sport hunting and trapping. Pure-looking
of young dogs begins in late summer dingoes provide tourism opportunities to
some parks and conservation areas.
6 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsImpacts are currently recognised as a known or
potential risk to at least 14 nationally
Economic threatened mammals, reptiles and
birds. The risk of wild dog predation to
Wild dogs pose a threat to livestock threatened vertebrates can be severe
because they readily prey on poultry, in some cases. Wild dogs also transmit
sheep, goats and cattle. Wild dogs diseases and pathogens to native
can also impact other industries such animals. For example, it has been shown
as small crops and orchards, where that hydatids cause large cysts in the
the dogs can eat fruit and damage lungs of wallabies, drastically affecting
infrastructure by chewing irrigation and lung function and further increasing their
sprinkler systems. They can transmit risk of predation. Whether or not these
the parasites Echinococcus granulosus predation and disease threats actually
(hydatid tapeworms) and Neospora become real can depend on other factors,
caninum to livestock and native animals. such as vegetation clearing and habitat
Hydatids can produce cyst-affected alteration. On the other hand, wild dogs
organs that cannot be sold and also affect can also assist some threatened species
the health of livestock. Neospora can through their interactions with foxes and
result in abortions in infected livestock. feral cats.
Hydatids can also be transmitted from
dogs to people. In urban areas, wild Social
dogs are considered a health risk to
The main social impacts of wild dogs
humans and pets through transmission
are not direct impacts, but rather flow
of these and many other parasites (such
out of the economic and environmental
as hookworms, roundworms and mange
impacts. Examples include stress from
mites) and pathogens (such as giardia,
receiving lower farm profits or from
salmonella and campylobacter).
knowing native species are being preyed
Environmental on. Wild dogs can also have direct social
impacts. Examples include psychological
Wild dogs have been implicated in the distress caused by wild dog predation on
declines of several small and medium- household pets, poultry and livestock,
sized native animals in Australia. They and trauma from vehicle accidents with
animals. Some urban recreational areas
(such as parks and reserves) might be
less appealing to the public due to fear
of wild dog attacks or concern over the
hygiene of facilities contaminated with
dog faeces. The increasing diversity of
Image: Guy Ballard rural land use and rural residents can also
cause conflicts within a community.
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 73. Identifying wild dogs and their impacts
Detecting the presence of Category
Potential indicator of
Score
wild dog presence
wild dogs and their impacts
free-roaming dogs seen or
1 10
heard
It is common for wild dogs to be present
wild dog footprints found
but go unnoticed or unrecognised. No in places where working
matter what colour a free-roaming dogs have not been used
(eg around water points,
dog is, if it is not your dog it should 1
road junctions, along
10
be considered a wild dog. There are animal pads, under holes
in fences, newly graded
several indicators that suggest that wild tracks)
dogs might be present in an area. Read wild dog scats/faeces and
through the indicators listed in the table, scratch marks found in
1 similar places (scats should 10
and follow the exercise outlined below. contain hair, bones, scales,
feathers, or insects)
Are wild dogs present in my area? livestock kills and damage,
1 including bite marks or 10
Using the indicators in the table, torn ears
complete the following exercise: unexplained livestock
losses or low marking/
1. Circle each of the indicators you have 2 8
branding/mustering
observed for your area. percentages
2. Add up your scores separately for unusually high percentages
2 8
of cows not producing milk
each category.
the absence of young
2 7
3. Locate your chances of wild dogs kangaroos and feral goats
being present in the following table. kangaroos caught in fences
when there has been no
2 7
one present to disturb the
mobs
A score of 10 or more in
You definitely have wild dogs sheep coming into water
Category 1
at a gallop and leaving in
A score of 15 or more in 3 the same way (lead animal 5
You probably have wild dogs taking last animal back out
Category 2
before it has drunk)
A score of 10 or more in
You might have wild dogs changes in livestock or
Category 3
goat behaviour (eg stock
A score of 10 or more in 3 no longer camping on the 5
You might have wild dogs dam or grazing where they
Category 4
always have in the past)
One score/indicator
each from Category 2, You probably have wild dogs sheep that won’t work
3, and 4 into the wind or visit good
3 5
feed down one end of the
paddock
Ask your neighbours to complete the kangaroos/livestock
4 4
exercise as well. If you think you have drowned in full dams
wild dogs, talk to your local pest animal 4
feral goat numbers lower
4
than expected
authority.
crows following your
4 3
working dogs
increased localised crow
4 2
numbers
birds of prey consistently
flying over rough, barren
4 areas where you would not 2
otherwise expect to find
much food
8 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsDistinguishing between wild
dog, fox, cat and quoll tracks
The presence of wild dogs is often
discovered by seeing their tracks in the
soil, but sometimes the tracks of other
species look similar to those of wild dogs
(see Figure 1). Wind, rain, organic matter
in the soil and other factors can make
it difficult to accurately identify some Figure 1 – The relative size and shape of wild dog, fox,
tracks or determine how fresh they are. quoll and cat tracks (top row shows front foot and
bottom row shows back foot).
The average size of wild dog footprints
also changes throughout the year as pups
become active and begin wandering
around. For example, in late spring and
early summer, some wild dog footprints
(of pups) can be as small as foxes’ and
it can be hard to tell them apart. By
autumn and winter, all wild dog prints
are usually much larger than foxes’ prints Figure 2 – Usual foot print placement for wild dogs,
(see Figure 1). foxes and cats
The front foot length of adult wild dogs
(excluding nails) is usually greater than 6
cm. When wild dogs, foxes and cats walk, More information
their front foot hits the ground first and
their back foot print usually lands nearby Barbara Triggs (2004). Tracks, Scats and
(see Figure 2). Other Traces: A Field Guide to Australian
Mammals. If you suspect that you have
In good track-reading conditions in sand,
wild dogs in your area, talk to your
silt, or mud:
neighbours and your local pest animal
• dog prints are usually larger and control authority.
rounder, foxes’ prints are smaller and
more elongated, and cats’ are small
and very round
• dog toe nails usually point out
straight, fox nails point inwards, and
cats have no toe nail marks
• the back foot usually partly overlaps
the front foot for dogs, mostly
overlaps for foxes, and almost
completely overlaps for cats
• the front foot of quolls shows all five
toes (wild dogs, foxes and cats only Image: Ben Allen
show four).
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 94. Management tools and strategies
Tools to control wild dogs future, whereas Strychnine is no longer
permitted for use in poison baits in any
There is a variety of different lethal jurisdiction.
and non-lethal tools available to control Ejectors
wild dogs. These include poison baits,
traps, shooting, fencing, guard animals An ejector is a small cylindrical device
and aversion techniques (such as lights, that is buried in the ground, leaving only
alarms, and flagging). Not all tools are a ‘bait head’ exposed on the surface. The
useful for a given area; each tool varies in bait head contains a replaceable capsule
its effectiveness, depending on a range of of poison and is about the size of a
factors specific to the local situation. The cylindrical golf ball. When an animal puts
use of many control tools is also subject its mouth over the bait head and pulls it,
to various laws and regulations. Wild dog the poison is ejected into the mouth in
control officers are familiar with these a quick puff or spurt. Ejectors are like a
and are able to advise people on what is permanent one-shot bait station.
and is not permitted in your local area. Trapping
Poison baiting Leghold traps may be used to capture live
Sodium fluoroacetate (or ‘1080’) is animals for later euthanasia, usually by
currently the main toxin used in baits to shooting. A range of different trap types
control wild dogs, however a new toxin are available, but not all trap types are
called ‘PAPP’ (para-aminopropiophenone) permitted for use in each jurisdiction.
is now available in some states depending The most humane and efficient traps are
on their progress towards including PAPP- called ‘soft-catch’ traps, including Jakes,
use in regulations. 1080 poison baits can Victors, or Bridgers. Each has slightly
be made from pieces of animal meat or different design features for use in
offal (such as kangaroo, cattle or horse various situations. Professional wild dog
meat) cut to about the size of a tennis ball trappers are also available to contract in
or larger. Average and minimum weights many areas.
vary between States so check the size Shooting
you require. Stable and accurately dosed
manufactured baits (such as DOGGONE® Firearms may be used by landholders,
(1080) and DOGABAIT® (PAPP) or De- professional wild dog controllers, or
K9® (1080)) can also be bought from hunting groups to shoot wild dogs in a
approved suppliers. Both 1080 and PAPP safe and humane manner, in accordance
are expected to be available into the with the relevant laws and guidelines.
Fencing
DOGGONE® and DOGABAIT® baits can
be purchased from Animal Control Fencing is perhaps the best method of
Technologies Australia Pty Ltd (ACTA) excluding wild dogs from an area, but a
W: www.animalcontrol.com.au high level of maintenance is needed to
P: 03 9308 9688 keep fences dog proof. Netting or electric
fencing can both be effective barriers,
10 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogsbut it is necessary to eradicate dogs from be run in spring in attempts to target
inside fenced areas. Well-maintained juvenile dogs before they disperse.
fences can stop wild dogs from crossing Control programs run over the summer
over, but they can’t stop dogs from going try and target migrating dogs. The best
around them, and might also prevent wild time to control wild dogs will depend on
dogs from leaving once they have got in. your local situation.
Guard animals Working with people
A variety of guard animals are Wild dog management strategies are
used all around the world to most successful when people work
protect livestock from predators. together. Because wild dogs do not
In Australia, guard dogs (such as respect tenure boundaries such as fences,
maremmas), llamas and alpacas, or borders or land uses, wild dog managers
donkeys are sometimes used with varying in one area are likely to be affected
degrees of success. Using guard animals by the actions or inaction of people in
is designed to prevent livestock attacks, surrounding areas. Working together
but they might not exclude wild dogs ensures that all stakeholders have input
from a given area. into a management approach that covers
the views of each interest group. This
Aversion techniques
typically requires a little bit of work from
A range of different aversion techniques a lot of people, rather than a lot of work
and devices have been suggested. from a few people.
Aversion methods include flashing lights,
Adaptive management
sounding alarms or objects flapping
in the wind, such as coloured flags. An adaptive approach to managing
Limited information is available on the wild dogs broadly involves: defining
effectiveness of these tools. the issue, developing a plan of action
with achievable and measurable goals,
Strategies to control wild putting the plan into action, monitoring
progress, evaluating the plan, and making
dogs adjustments and improvements before
trying it again. Defining the issue is usually
Working with nature the most difficult and time-consuming
The ecology and behaviour of wild dogs part, but is critical for success. It must
follows a seasonal and cyclical pattern take into account all the socio-ecological
each year as dogs transition from breeding components and current knowledge
season, to whelping, to dispersal and before further planning or further action
back to breeding season again. Wild dog can proceed successfully. Compromise
management strategies can be optimised might be needed to progress, and new
if the biology and nature of wild dog information might mean that changes to
populations are carefully considered. working plans need to be made along the
For example, many control programs are way.
run in autumn to try and target mature
dogs before they have a chance to breed.
Alternatively, control programs can
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 11Choosing the right control tool determine the best tools to use for a
given situation. Note that some control
The destruction of wild dogs might tools might not be allowed in certain
not always be needed to resolve the areas.
problems you face. However, when the
Choosing the right control tool is an
control of wild dogs is required, both
important step towards succeeding with
lethal and non-lethal control tools can
a wild dog control program. No one tool is
be used inside an adaptive management
best overall and a variety of control tools
framework that incorporates the views
are often used together in a community
of each stakeholder. There are limited
control program. Reducing wild dog
control tools available, but each has
numbers is best achieved when control is
advantages and disadvantages — not all
applied across broad areas at the same
tools will be useful in every situation.
time, and repeated on a regular basis,
The most effective approach usually leaving no gaps in space or time.
involves using a range of tools (an
It is most important to remember that
‘integrated’ approach), and not relying
reducing wild dog numbers might not
on just one tool. The table below shows
actually reduce wild dog impacts,
some of the basic pros and cons of
so control programs should only be
common control tools. The advantages
considered successful when wild dog
and disadvantages described might be
problems have ceased or been reduced to
different for each situation, and local
an acceptable level.
knowledge and consultation can help
Control
Advantages Disadvantages Common uses
tool
1080 baiting • can be applied on a broad • has restricted use in • most commonly used to
scale by vehicle, plane or peri-urban areas protect livestock across
helicopter • is dangerous to pet dogs broad areas in less-
• can be flexible with bait and some other non- populated regions
type, using manufactured target animals • small-scale campaigns
products or meat from • results in a relatively can sometimes be run
various animals slow death to poisoned in peri-urban areas, but
• is relatively cheap animals they usually need a high
level of preparation
• requires relatively little time
PAPP baiting • an antidote is available to • no concentrate is • approved for Fox
and administered by vets available control (FOXECUTE
which offers a chance of • can only be applied by baits) and for wild dog
treating dogs that have ground placement as it is control (DOGABAIT)
accidentally been poisoned not approved for aerial
by PAPP baiting at this time
• potential use around • presents risks to some
peri-urban areas (or in non-target species
areas where the risk of
unintentional poisoning of • the antidote can only be
working and companion dogs administered by a vet
is increased) because of the • because PAPP works
availability of an antidote quickly, the antidote is
• provides a relatively quick not guaranteed to be
and humane death effective
• manufactured bait types • PAPP baits are subject
containing PAPP are less to same access, use
attractive to many non- restrictions as 1080
target species baits.
• feral cats may also take
PAPP baits
12 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsControl
Advantages Disadvantages Common uses
tool
trapping • can be selective and target • has limited broadscale • commonly used in
specific application areas with high risks to
• can be done in peri-urban • requires a high level of people, working dogs
and other areas where technical ability and and other non-target
poison baiting is not suitable local knowledge species
• can confirm the control of • captured animals may be • is used to capture
specific individual animals distressed for some time specific individuals
• enables a relatively quick • requires relatively high
and humane death time inputs
• is relatively cheap
ejectors • is highly target specific • limited to on-ground • used to provide
• can be used with either application 24/7/365 control
cyanide, 1080, or PAPP • requires a moderate • used for point-specific
• is relatively cheap level of technical ability application of poison
and local knowledge
• requires relatively little time
shooting • is selective and target • has limited broadscale • commonly used
specific application together with trapping
• can be done in areas where • requires a high level of programs
poison baiting is not suitable technical ability and • is used to target
• can confirm the control of local knowledge specific individuals
specific individual animals • requires relatively high
• enables a relatively quick time inputs
and humane death
• is relatively cheap
fencing • is capable of completely • is relatively expensive to • most frequently used in
excluding wild dogs from construct and maintain local areas to protect
an area in a dog-proof condition high-value assets, such
• removes the need for • limits movements of as livestock studs and
additional livestock fencing other wildlife threatened wildlife
reserves
• probably involves relatively • does not remove wild
little ongoing time inputs dogs already present in
once constructed in some the exclusion zone
places
guard animals • can provide ongoing control • often requires significant • most frequently used
of wild dog impacts investment in time and in restricted areas to
• does not require the killing training protect high-value
of wild dogs • is relatively expensive livestock
• has limited non-target • has limited broadscale
impact use
aversion • does not require the killing • typically provides only • most frequently used in
techniques of wild dogs very short-term control association with fencing
• has limited non-target • has limited broadscale
impacts use
• is relatively cheap
• requires relatively little time
More information (Green Book) and the Guidelines for
Preparing a Working Plan to Manage Wild
For more information on control tools visit Dogs (Brown Book). Further information
www.pestsmart.org.au. Detailed can also be found in Managing the
instructions on how to develop a wild Impacts of Dingoes and Other Wild Dogs
dog management plan can be found at (2001) and Guardian Dogs – Best Practice
this website, where you can download Manual for the Use of Livestock Guardian
the Working Plan to Manage Wild Dogs Dogs (2011), by Linda van Bommel.
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 135. Working dog safety traps set for wild dogs. Dogs captured
accidentally are unlikely to get any major
injuries, but they can be ‘foot sore’ for a
Risks to working dogs short time and might not be able to work
until they’ve recovered. Working dogs are
Wild dogs and working dogs are usually also susceptible to poisoning from lethal
very similar in size and behaviour, and trap devices if poison has been used.
many of the control tools available
Steps to reduce the risk to your
cannot discriminate between different
working dog
types of dog. Poisons and traps present
• Know where baits have been laid
the highest risks to working dogs, and
(distribute baits only in places where
non-lethal control techniques do not pose working dogs do not visit and pick up
a risk to working dogs. and dispose of any remaining baits
Both PAPP and 1080 wild dog baits (and once the baiting program is finished).
ejectors) are toxic to working dogs. • Muzzle your dogs (muzzling is cheap,
For these reasons, working dogs (and takes little time and does not usually
other domestic dogs) are the non- reduce a dog’s work performance, but
target animals most at risk during wild it can prevent your dog from taking a
bait, pulling an ejector or chewing a
dog baiting campaigns. The best way
lethal trap device).
to prevent working dogs from being
• Keep your dogs kennelled in pens or
poisoned is to keep them away from any
tethered on runs while they are not
source of poison. This is partly managed being used for work or play.
by following the label instructions and
• Do not take your dogs into a baited
the usage guidelines for the product,
area for at least two years (unless
including informing your neighbours of muzzled).
where and when you plan to use baits,
• Keep your dogs away from dead or
and storing and transporting baits in
dying poisoned animals and any toxic
appropriate containers. vomit.
Working dogs may also get caught in • Supervise your dog when off the lead,
and make sure suitable emetics,
vets’ telephone numbers and first aid
materials are available to help your
dog’s chances of survival if poisoning
does occur.
• Never assume a bait is safe – ever.
Image: Ben Allen
14 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsFirst aid for your working dog PAPP poisoning
Once eaten, PAPP is rapidly absorbed
1080 poisoning
from the gut into the into the liver where
Once digested, 1080 is rapidly absorbed it is converted by dogs and foxes to form
from the gut into the bloodstream. Once an agent that enters red blood cells and
it is in an animal’s circulation, it blocks
the chemical reactions that produce rapidly converts normal haemoglobin to
energy in cells. Over a period of time, this methaemoglobin. Methaemoglobin does
lack of cell energy prevents organs from not carry oxygen to brain, muscle or
functioning properly. Each organ then other tissues, so PAPP ultimately reduces
begins to shut down, causing a variety of
visible signs. oxygen supply to the heart muscles and
brain. Poisoned animals first become
Signs to look for: lethargic and sleepy before eventually
• anxiety falling unconscious and dying. Even once
• frenzied behaviour signs of PAPP poisoning are apparent,
• hypersensitivity the outlook can be good if the antidote
• loud vocalising, yelping and howling is administered in time (likely window
• failure to respond to owner of an hour or less to get the affected
• vomiting animal to a vet). However, the antidote
cannot be guaranteed to be effective and
• uncontrolled urinating and defecating
some clinical follow-up may be needed in
• convulsions,
severe cases.
• seizures and fits
• breathing difficulties Signs to look for:
• coma or unconsciousness. • colour changes to tongue, lips, and
gums (from pink to blue/grey –
1080 first aid
indicating reduced oxygen)
You need to act immediately to save your • salivating (dribbling).
poisoned dog. Once signs of 1080 poisoning • appearing dazed and wobbly,
are apparent, the outlook (even with diminished coordination eg. dragging
treatment) is poor and dogs rarely survive. feet or inability to move limbs.
However, if you suspect your dog has • lethargy eg. sitting down and unable
ingested a 1080 bait but has not yet begun to lift head.
to show clinical signs: • non-responsive and unconsciousness.
• induce vomiting (to get the bait out • highly increased heart rate might be
– do not do this if clinical signs are noted but may not be a reliable sign
already shown). if the dog has just been running for
• keep your dog as cool and as quiet as example.
possible
• immediately take your dog to a vet.
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 15PAPP first aid What can I use to make my dog vomit?
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned Care must be taken when inducing
by PAPP you will need to act immediately vomiting as your dog may react violently
— the sooner you get your dog to a vet and bite you. Giving too much of some
the better, because PAPP works rapidly. emetics (ie substances that induce
An antidote to reverse PAPP poisoning is vomiting) might also make the dog
available through Vet administration only critically ill. If the dog has vomited, be
but you will need to contact your Vet prior aware that the vomit is toxic and should
to arrival to ensure they have the antidote be cleaned up immediately. Emetics
on hand. While the antidote reverses the should be kept in an accessible place
poison, it may not always save a dog. This (ie the glove box of the ute) in case of
could be due to delays in receiving the poisoning. Suitable emetics include:
antidote treatment or a toxic sensitivity • table salt in water: 2 teaspoons of salt
to the antidote itself — Vets should be in 1 cup of water; less for small dogs,
aware of these complications and will more for larger breeds
follow the correct protocol to enhance • washing soda crystals (sodium
the survival rate. Vomiting may reduce carbonate): 3–5 crystals orally,
the severity of poisoning; however it is DO NOT use laundry detergents or
vital that the dog is still taken to a Vet. powders
• copper sulphate crystals: 2 pea-sized
Important note: If a PAPP bait has crystals.
been eaten the vomit should contain
yellow/orange plastic marker beads to If you can’t make your dog vomit, do not
assist with a Vet diagnosis and correct waste time trying again, and take your
treatment. dog to a vet immediately. The vet will
need to know:
If you suspect PAPP poisoning, follow
these first aid steps: • what the suspected poison is
1. Ring your local vet to ensure they • how long ago your dog was exposed
have the antidote to PAPP. • what your dog was exposed to (a bait,
2. Take the poisoned dog to the vet carcass or unknown)
immediately. • how the dog is acting now (clinical
3. If you have a long trip to the vet and signs)
if you have washing soda crystals • how long the signs have been
(sodium carbonate) give 2-3 crystals noticeable.
like you would tablets to induce
vomiting.
4. Keep the dog calm and at a
comfortable ambient temperature
(20-25°C) during the journey to the
vet.
16 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsTrap/foot injuries
Trapping will rarely leave your dog
with any permanent injuries, although
they might end up with some hair loss
or scarring on their foot. More severe
injuries might develop later, depending
on how the dog was captured and how
long it stayed in the trap. These injuries
might include the loss of toe nails, toe/
foot pads wearing off, or disfigurement.
Housing your dog in a ‘soft’ environment
(ie not on concrete or wire) during
recovery can help to prevent these later
injuries from happening.
Domestic and working dogs will usually
yelp and howl to let you know they are
caught in a trap. Be aware that dogs may
react violently and bite as you get them
out of a trap.
To help your dog recover from being
trapped
• Get your dog out of the trap as quick
as possible.
• If the paw is swollen, gently massage
it to increase blood flow.
• If the paw has minor cuts or bites,
gently clean the paw with water or
allow your dog to lick it clean.
• If the dog has been caught for a long
time, take your dog to a vet.
• House the dog on soft surfaces while
it recovers.
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 176. Policy and legislation are also other more generic Acts that
function across jurisdictions. Violation of
laws related to wild dog management can
Legal status and management attract serious penalties (eg fines and jail
time) for individuals and agencies.
Wild dogs are identified by the national
In general, the following types of
Vertebrate Pests Committee as a
regulations should be considered before
‘Category 5/Extreme’ species. Category 5
beginning any wild dog management
means that the animal is a recognised pest
activity.
that is both widespread and established,
while an Extreme classification indicates Laws relating to animal welfare
that such animals should not be allowed
There are laws in every state and territory
to enter, nor be kept in any state or
that address the need to treat all animals
territory without permission. Wild dogs
humanely, whether they are considered
are also identified as a pest animal under
pests or not. People managing wild dogs
the Australian Pest Animal Strategy.
are obligated to use control methods
Because of these classifications, wild that minimise any potential pain, fear or
dog management is constrained by distress. These obligations encompass a
legislation and policy, with various wide range of activities from the capture
guidelines, codes of practice, and and relocation of animals, through to
standard operating procedures applying. poisoning, shooting or trapping. Codes of
Legislation and policy often vary practice, standard operating procedures,
between jurisdictions at local and state and best-practice guidelines for the
levels, with overriding federal laws also management of wild dogs have been
affecting wild dog management. There developed, are publically available on
Image: Heather Miller Image: Peter Fleming
18 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogswww.pestsmart.org.au, and should be (such as those on Fraser Island) might be
followed in order to prevent cruelty to considered a unique natural asset worthy
animals during control operations. of conservation. Alternatively, people
might want to only conserve pure dingoes
Laws relating to land tenure
but eliminate impure hybrids and feral
The legal status of wild dogs varies with dogs. Because it can be hard to identify
different land tenures. In many cases, wild the purity of an individual wild dog just
dogs are a ‘protected species’ in national from what it looks like, land tenure
parks and conservation reserves, while (or the expected location of important
they are considered ‘declared pests’ in populations) is often used to define areas
many livestock production areas. Listing where different restrictions apply. For
wild dogs as protected or declared places example, controlling all wild dogs (pure
certain restrictions and obligations on or otherwise) may be allowed along
those intending to manage wild dogs the boundaries of some conservation
in a given area. Certain management reserves, while core areas within a
activities are not legally permissible on reserve may be set aside for wild dog
all tenures. Permission to access various conservation.
land tenures should also be considered.
Laws relating to the use of specific
Laws relating to the conservation control techniques
status of specific wild dog
Various control techniques are also often
populations
governed by laws independent of their
Laws can sometimes vary between specific use on wild dogs. For example, there is
populations or types of wild dog. For specific legislation dealing with the use
example, an isolated island population of firearms, which are often used to
euthanise wild dogs in trapping or shooting
programs. Various laws also govern the
use of poisons and other veterinary
drugs used to kill or safely handle wild
dogs. Many of these chemicals have label
instructions and directions for use that
are legally binding. Wild dog managers
are not freed from obligations under
these laws even when other obligations
(such as animal welfare and land tenure
considerations) have been met.
Image: Lee Allen
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 19Laws relating to the use of animals Laws relating to the keeping, sale,
for research and teaching and movement of wild dogs
Not all wild dog management activities Because wild dogs may be considered
require the destruction of animals, and protected or declared, native or
alternative legislation governs the use introduced, or a risk to livestock or
of animals for researching and teaching not, laws differ between jurisdictions
purposes. Some wild dog management with respect to the keeping, sale and
activities might be considered ‘research movement of wild dogs. Different states
and teaching activities’ in some and territories might or might not allow
jurisdictions, such as the systematic use the keeping of wild dogs as pets. A permit
of camera traps or attaching tracking might be required to do so, and although
collars to wild dogs. If this is the case, permitted in one area, wild dogs might
various additional permits and approvals not be transportable to another state
may be required before management or tenure. Wild dogs may be seized and
activities can begin. euthanised if they are being kept illegally.
Wild dog predation is known or expected to be a risk to the threatened species:
Species
Common name Scientific name Adult weight (kg)
type
mammal marsupial moles Notorycetes typhlops, N. caurinus 0.07
mammal smoky mouse Pseudomys fumeus 0.09
bird black-breasted button-quail Turnix melanogaster 0.1
mammal golden bandicoot Isoodon auratus 0.7
mammal northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus 1.2
mammal greater bilby Macrotis lagotis 2.5
mammal long-footed potoroo Potorous longipes 2.5
bird malleefowl Leipoa ocellata 2.5
mammal bridled nailtail wallaby Onychogalea fraenata 8.0
mammal Proserpine rock-wallaby Petrogale persephone 8.8
mammal koala Phascolarctos cinereus 12
mammal northern hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus krefftii 31
bird southern cassowary Casuarius casuarius johnsonii 60
reptile marine turtles various -
20 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild DogsLegal obligations on owners of land The EPBC Act also lists the key threatening
where wild dogs occur processes (KTP) known to affect
threatened species. Predation by wild
The responsibility to manage wild dogs
dogs has not been recognised as a KTP in
rests largely with the owners or managers
national legislation but is recognised as
of the land where wild dogs occur. This
such in New South Wales.
presents challenges in places where wild
dogs roam between multiple properties, Important to the management of wild
and these are usually sorted out through dogs, new wild dog control programs
community wild dog management plans. might need to be reviewed under the
In places where wild dogs are considered EPBC Act before they are put in place, to
pests, landowners have a responsibility assess the program’s risk to threatened
to control wild dogs on their land and species in the area. For example, if wild
prevent them from causing problems on dog control is to begin in a national park
neighbouring lands. On lands where wild where control has not previously been
dog conservation measures are applied, done, the proposal must be assessed
managers have a responsibility to ensure before it can start. Checking with the
that wild dogs are not leaving those lands relevant authorities should first be done
or causing problems in adjacent areas. to avoid doing the wrong thing.
These obligations apply to private, leased
and crown lands. There are likely to be More information
penalties for people and agencies that do
not abide by the rules. • EPBC Act requirements, see:
http://www.environment.gov.au/
EPBC Act considerations epbc/do-you-need-approval
The Environment Protection and • New South Wales KTP, see ‘Predation
Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and Hybridisation by Feral Dogs (Canis
1999 oversees the management of lupus familiaris) – key threatening
process listing’ (2009), New South
vulnerable and endangered native
Wales Department of Environment,
species, populations and ecological Climate Change and Water
communities. The EPBC Act lists all the ( w w w. e n v i r o n m e n t . n s w. g o v. a u /
native species currently at risk from a determinations/feraldogsFD.htm).
variety of factors. Wild dog predation is • More detail can also be found in state
known or expected to be a risk to the and local wild dog management plans
threatened species listed in the table on (see www.pestsmart.org.au for links
the next page. to the following state and territory
wild dog management plans).
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 21Sample state and territory wild dog Sample local plans and strategies
management plans • Qld – The Paroo Model of Wild Dog
• NT – A Management Program for Control (2011) South West Regional
the Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) in the Economic Development Inc
Northern Territory of Australia (2006- • NSW – Wild Dog Management Plan for
2011). Parks and Wildlife Service, the Barnard River Wild Dog Control
Department of Natural Resources, Association Area (2010-2012)
Environment and the Arts: Alice
• NSW – Wild Dog Management Plan for
Springs.
the Kempsey Rural Lands Protection
• Qld – Wild Dog Management Board District (2008-2011)
Strategy (2011-2016). Department of
• NSW – Wild Dog Management Plan
Employment, Economic Development
for the Niangala Wild Dog Control
and Innovation, Biosecurity
Association Area (2010-2012)
Queensland: Brisbane.
• NSW – Brindabella & Wee Jasper
• NSW – Wild Dog Management Strategy
Valleys Cooperative Wild Dog/Fox
(2011-2015). Department of Primary
Plan (2005-2010).
Industries: Orange.
• Vic – North East Wild Dog Action Plan
• ACT – Draft ACT Pest Animal
(September 2010)
Management Strategy (2011–2021).
Department of Environment and • Vic – Gippsland Wild Dog Action Plan
Sustainable Development: Canberra. (September 2010)
• Vic – Invasive Plants and Animals • SA – South Australian Arid lands
Policy Framework (2011). Natural Resources Management
Department of Primary Industries: Board Dingo Management Plan (June
Melbourne 2009)
• SA – Policy on Management of • WA – Eastern Wheatbelt Declared
Dingo Populations in South Species Group Regional Wild Dog
Australia (2011). Primary Industries Management Plan 2008/9 to 2010/11
and Resources South Australia, • WA – Meekatharra Zone Control
Biosecurity SA: Adelaide. Authority Regional Wild Dog
• WA – Western Australian Wild Dog Management Plan 2007-11
Management Strategy (2005). • WA – Carnarvon Zone Control
Department of Agriculture: Perth Authority Regional Wild Dog
Management Plan 2007-12
22 Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs7. Notes
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs 23You can also read
