Professional Wild Dog Controller Program (Hunter region)

The Hunter’s unique Professional Wild Dog Controller Program has reached a milestone, removing more than 300 wild dogs in just under the three years since it was launched.

The program is supported by Local Land Services, the Hunter Valley Combined Wild Dog Association, Australia Wool Innovation and local land managers including Glencore, Bengalla, Yancoal, MACH Energy, Forestry NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and FeralScan.

The program was developed after increasing dog attacks were being reported, particularly impacting outlying sheep properties which was affecting confidence in the local industry.

Now under the Professional Wild Dog Controller Program, three fulltime professional controllers are available to assist local producers target and remove these problem wild dogs across the Upper Hunter using a combination of strategic and reactive methods.

Producers must be a member of their local wild dog association to be eligible to participate in this program.

For the last 18 months all fees associated with the program have been waived, as part of Hunter Local Land Services drought support to local producers.

Landholders can report wild dog activity to Local Land Services Biosecurity team by calling 1300 795 299.