Dog trapper makes his mark
From the Spring 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Mark with his trusty dogs Sox and Crackers set out to trap wild dogs. Photo by Sarah Chester
Tumbarumba-based feral animal control officer, Mark Goldspink, is making his mark when it comes to controlling wild dogs.
Mark is fast becoming a household name in the south west slopes following a number of media interviews highlighting his skills.
His talents have also been acknowledged by NSW Department of Primary Industries through his involvement in a course on trapping wild dogs.
Mark has worked with Forests NSW for five years and his role includes implementation of the Tumbarumba Wild Dog Management Plan, developed by Forests NSW and the Hume Rural Lands Protection Board, in consultation with landholders.
Results to date have been outstanding, with no stock losses recorded within the plan area for almost four years.
Mark was asked to help run the dog trapping course due to his professionalism and ability to communicate with a variety of people. Mark explained to participants why Forests NSW used soft jaw as opposed to other traps; how dogs are used to locate signs of wild dogs; the different trapping systems available; and how to maintain records.
Mark said one of the most important aspects was to know how, why and where to place traps for the best capture results.
“If you don’t get this right then it’s a waste of time setting it. And you have to try to think like a dog to catch them,”he said.
Forests NSW implements an integrated pest animal management program using baiting, trapping, monitoring and guard animals to keep on top of wild dogs.
“Great results have been achieved by combining these techniques,” Mark said.
Sarah Chester - Public Affairs & Media, Albury
