The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is reminding landholders to use pesticide baits correctly after a landholder was fined for multiple alleged non-compliance when using fox and wild dog baits.
EPA Director Regional Operations North Karen Marler said the landholder was carrying out a long term wild dog baiting program on their property near Dorrigo in Northern NSW and the EPA believed the program had not been done in compliance with the Pesticide Control (1080 Bait Products) Order 2017.
“It is important that anyone who uses pesticides, particularly restricted pesticides such as 1080, uses them correctly and keeps detailed records of how they were applied.
“Bait users are required to notify all landholders within one kilometre of the baiting location before baiting commences and then at six monthly intervals,” Mrs Marler said.
“On this occasion it appears some neighbours have been notified but others weren’t, and as a result it is believed a pet dog has eaten the bait and died.
“Samples taken from the deceased dog were tested and 1080 was detected in the dog’s stomach.”
Mrs Marler said wild dog control programs are important to protect against livestock losses, but landowners must ensure compliance with the Pesticides Act requirements.
“If the rules are not followed unintended consequences can occur, as has happened in this instance.”
The community plays an important role in helping to monitor 1080 baiting activities. If you are concerned about an illegal baiting program, or you have knowledge of an incident, please call the 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.
Source: NSW EPA