A Wollongong district mum is warning the NSW Government's plan to deploy 1 million poison baits in forests could endanger dingoes that we should be protecting.
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Belinda Whitten, Fairy Meadow, has four dingo hybrids, two of which are being fostered while waiting to be rehomed through the Dingo Den rescue service.
Following devastation from the recent bushfires, the NSW Wildlife and Conservation Bushfire Recovery Plan promised "up to 60,000km of aerial baiting to target foxes and wild dogs, both in burnt areas and unburnt refuge areas".
It said there would be "extensive aerial baiting" using a million baits of the poison 1080.
But Ms Whitten said recent science indicated a distinct east coast dingo breed may have developed, and could warrant conservation.
Most of the science shows if you drop baits and kill the dingoes, the dingoes decrease, but the cats and the foxes increase.
"Yes we need to control feral species, and sadly 1080 is the way we currently do it. There are places that [baits] may have a role because there aren't alternatives right now, but the scale of the fires is so huge that we need to think about other measures.
"I think there is a balance that needs to be made - there are some areas where conservation of the dingo should take priority."
The NSW Government strategy says "strict approvals and evidence-based guidelines are in place to mitigate the risks to native species and domestic animals".
But Ms Whitten is concerned the 1080 guidelines won't account for the aftermath of such destruction.
"There are studies, but that science hasn't been done when there's nothing else to eat, which is how it is at the moment.
"Most of the science shows if you drop baits and kill the dingoes, the dingoes decrease, but the cats and the foxes increase - because the dingo acts as a deterrent for cats and foxes.
"I think there needs to be a bit more scientific dedication put into it."
She admits dingoes are not an animal for everyone.
"They're not a Cavalier, not by any means, and they do have teeth. But I have 100 per cent confidence in them around the kids. I actually find them a lot easier than other animals, because their instinct is more to flight, than fight.
"They're a primitive canine, so they're more independent, they're not seeking to please. They're not a working dog. They'll listen to what you say and think about what's in it for them. Some people describe them as a cross between a dog and a cat, or a dog and a horse.
"You can't just control them with your voice; you have to work with them - which I think is great for kids to learn, that you can't just dominate your will onto an animal."
Comment was sought from the NSW Government.
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Ben Langford
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
