“Wild dogs are a significant issue for many of our farmers causing more than $11 million worth of damage to the state’s primary industries sector every year,” Mr Grant said.

“The costs associated with wild dog attacks are not only confined to losses from livestock deaths. Injured livestock also require treatment and supervision leading to further costs for farmers.

“In order to combat the devastating impact of wild dogs, the NSW Government has put in place a comprehensive program to support around 3000 properties across the state.”

The program will include laying more than 228,000 ground baits over 12 million hectares of land, spreading more than 7,200 kilometres of aerial baits and conducting around 100 training courses for landholders across the state.

“This year, dog movements will also be tracked using GPS collars as part of a research project in the Tumut and Tumbarumba districts. This project will help improve the effectiveness of future baiting and trapping activities,” Mr Grant said.

“I know local farmers will be glad to see we are taking this issue seriously. This comprehensive package provides them with the tools they need to protect their properties and livestock.”

Mr Grant said a wide range of activities have been tailored to meet the needs of local communities, with the equivalent of 42 full-time Local Land Services staff assisting property owners across the state to undertake baiting and use canid pest ejectors.

Wild dogs are classified as pests in NSW and include feral dogs, dingoes, hybrids, and any dog living in the wild.