Wild dog warning in W.A.

We've just returned from 6 week prospecting trip covering Leonora, Meekatharra and Mt Magnet.

There are increasing stories and facts about the incidence of dingos and feral dogs in the W.A. Goldfeilds.

The "Danger, 1080 Dog Bait" signs are far more prevalent than they used to be. This is at a time when a lot of stations are de-stocked and aren't runing sheep anymore. These signs are all over the place. They never used to be. They are dropping the stuff everywhere.

ABC radio ran a story from a CALM guy that told of several packs around Lake Ballard near Menzies that were very troublesome. Also - cop this - tourists are feeding 'em!! There was a dead dingo strung up by a dogger at Heines Find in the Robinson Ranges, north of Meeka. Doggers themselves are now more common than they used to be. Saw a dead camel in the same area that had several bite marks on it's shoulders and neck, that were done before it died if the blood was anything to go by. (Come to think of it, I've never seen a camel that far West befire either!)

My black-fella mates around Wiluna have told there are more dog tracks in the bush around there than ever before.

And to top it all off - a few months back a prospector was baled up by a pack of 5 of 'em. They legged it when he hit one with a mulga branch and the branch stuck in the dogs shoulder. They were trying to jump on his back and bring him down. But these were all half-breed ferals and not dingos. Half-breeds are far more dangerous as they are not overly frightened by people.

In 20 years out there, I've only seen one dingo and one feral up near Lake Darlot. Current anectdotal evidence suggests a stronger presence these days.

Keep your dog on a lead - always

Don't leave food, food scraps or water out at night

Go fer a walk with at least 2 people.

Use a gun if you've got one

Bilbo