Minister for Regional Development, Agriculture and Food, the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC, joined Murdoch University veterinary students in Warburton recently to see first-hand their work sterilising camp dogs.

Murdoch’s Canine Spay/Neutering Outreach Program is receiving $165,000 over three years from the State Government under the WA Wild Dog Action Plan.

“We are excited to show the Minister the skill of our veterinary students and the valuable contribution they make to controlling wild dog numbers in remote and regional communities,” Dr Laing said.

“Too many untreated dogs is unhealthy—for both animals and the community. The animals may have skin conditions or parasites, as well as diseases that humans can catch from animals.

“Additionally, unneutered animals can breed with wild dogs, increasing their numbers and leading to attacks on livestock and other dogs. Our program promotes animal and community health, reduces uncontrolled canine breeding, and helps to preserve the pure dingo breed.”

Murdoch University’s sterilisation work forms a vital part of the WA Wild Dog Action Plan, which aims to improve the detection, reporting, control and management of wild dogs.

This program helps to control the wild dog populations in Western Australia, which is estimated to cost $25 million in losses per annum to from our rangelands sheep and goat production.