Farmers are the backbone of rural Australia. Dog attacks from both wild dogs and from dogs that are not properly controlled by their owners can have a negative impact on a farmer’s livelihood. It is estimated that dog attacks on livestock cost farmers thousands of dollars each year in lost income.
Wild dog populations comprise of dingoes, feral dogs and crossbreeds of the two.
Dog attacks, whether by wild dogs or domestic pets not only kill livestock but can also reduce sheep flock population. Other impacts and threats believed to be associated with dog attacks include:
- emotional stress affecting landholders who deals with killed and injured livestock
- a change in livestock farming from sheep to cattle, which in turn may affect land management issues such as week control
- a decline in farming profitability, particularly when farmers have switched from sheep to cattle to avoid heavy stock losses.
It is important that dog owners don’t contribute to the problems that wild dogs cause by letting their own dogs roam free. It is an offence under the Companion Animals Act 1998 for a dog to be in a public place and not under the proper control of its owner.
Why do dogs attack?
Lack of socialisation can often result in fearful or aggressive behaviour.
The optimum time to socialise is before the dog reaches 4 months of age.
Irrespective of whether your dog is a large ‘guard’ breed or a fluffy little lapdog, ALL dogs have what is called a ‘prey drive’ and a natural instinct to chase another animal that moves – even the best trained and well socialised ones.
Responsibilities of pet owners
To ensure the comfort, safety & health of the whole community the Companion Animals Act places certain responsibilities on all pet owners.
Further details are available at:
www. dlg.nsw.gov.au or
Wingecarribee Shire Council.
