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Feral Dogs | Feral Dog Overview | Feral Dog Damage Assessment | Feral Dog Damage Management | Feral Dog Resources | Feral Dog Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Exclusion
Protect livestock and poultry from feral and domestic dogs with well-maintained net fences. Horizontal spacing of the mesh should be less than 6 inches (15 cm); vertical spacing should be less than 4 inches (10 cm). Barbed wire at ground level or a buried wire apron will discourage dogs from digging under the fence. The fence should be about 6 feet (1.8 m) high to hinder animals from jumping over. The effectiveness of fences can be increased by adding one or more electrically charged wires along the bottom and top. Charged wires are positioned so that the intruding dog encounters them before digging under or climbing over the fence.
Electric fences consisting of up to 12 alternating ground and charged wires have been effective at deterring dogs (Dorrance and Bourne 1980). Other configurations have also been successful (Shelton 1984, deCalesta 1983). Electric fences must be checked regularly to ensure that the wires are sufficiently charged. Maintenance of fences may be difficult in areas with drifting snow and where large wild animals are common. Moose and bears can be particularly destructive to electric fences. Fencing is one of the most beneficial investments in dealing with predator damage and livestock management if practicality warrants its use.
Frightening
Several visual and auditory devices (yard lights, effigies, loud music, pyrotechnics) have been used to frighten coyotes from livestock pens and pastures, and are likely to be effective with feral dogs. Researchers at the Denver Wildlife Research Center developed and tested a device called the Electronic Guard, a combination strobe light and siren that periodically activates during the night. The noise and light have been effective in reducing coyote predation on flocks of sheep. Similar results could reasonably be anticipated with feral dogs.
Guarding dogs that have been reared with livestock and trained to remain with them can be a deterrent to depredating feral dogs (Green and Woodruff 1991). Since a pack of feral dogs is quite capable of killing other dogs, more than one guarding dog may be needed where feral dogs are a threat. Donkeys and llamas have also been used to keep dogs away from livestock.
Repellents
Methyl nonyl ketone, mostly in granular form or in liquid sprays, is widely used to prevent urination or defecation by dogs in yards and storage areas. Several other chemicals are registered for repelling dogs including capsaicin, napthalene, Ropel, and Thymol. These chemicals may be useful in keeping feral dogs from establishing scent stations or relieving themselves on selected sites, but they probably have little value in protecting livestock or poultry. Capsaicin (oleoresin of capsicum) may be effective in protecting humans from attack by dogs.
Toxicants
There are no toxicants widely used for controlling feral dogs in the United States. The USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services program holds a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Section 3 registration for sodium cyanide used in M-44 delivery devices. Although the product label for M-44 cyanide capsules lists wild dogs among the canids that can be controlled when they are preying on livestock (others include coyotes and red and gray foxes), Wildlife Services policy prohibits using M-44s for specifically killing dogs. Some dogs are killed by M-44s when they are being used to kill coyotes, but dogs are not the target animal. In addition, at least one state has a law prohibiting Wildlife Services from using M-44s to intentionally kill dogs.
Several states hold their own registrations for using M-44s, and their policy with regard to feral dogs may be different from that of Wildlife Services. Consult state and local regulations with respect to M-44 use. In all instances, M-44s can only be used by certified applicators.
Toxic collars containing Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) placed on domestic animals may kill depredating dogs if the dogs puncture the collar during an attack. The collars, however, are only registered for use against coyotes.
Fumigants
No fumigants are registered for the control of feral dogs.
Trapping
Live traps are generally effective in capturing feral dog pups and occasionally adult dogs. Steel leghold traps (No. 3 or 4) are convenient and effective for trapping wild dogs. Carrion and scent baits used to lure coyotes to traps may be effective in attracting feral dogs. Nontarget species or pets inadvertently captured can be released. Caution should be exercised when approaching a dog in a trap, since feral dogs may be vicious when confined, and even pet dogs may bite under those circumstances.
Shooting
Aerial shooting is one of the most efficient control techniques available for killing feral dogs. Where a pack of damaging feral dogs is established, it may be worthwhile to trap one or two members of the pack, fit them with radio transmitters, and release them. Feral dogs are highly social, and by periodically locating the radio-tagged dogs with a radio receiver, it is possible to locate other members of the group. When other members of the pack are destroyed, the radio-collared dogs can be located and shot. This technique has been used effectively by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to eliminate packs of problem wolves.
Hunting from the ground has been used to control feral dogs. A predator call may lure dogs within rifle range. Establishing a shooting blind can be helpful, especially along a trail used by dogs, near a den, a garbage dump, or a large animal carcass.
Other Methods
Fencing garbage dumps, burying garbage in sanitary landfills frequently, or removing livestock carrion may help reduce local feral dog populations. Locating and destroying dens, especially when pups are present, may also be helpful. Use catch poles to capture and restrain feral dogs. Dart guns and jab sticks can be used to administer tranquilizing or euthanizing agents.
Cultural Considerations
The long-term solution to most problems caused by unconfined dogs, including feral dogs, is responsible dog ownership and effective local dog management programs. Many depredation problems can be solved by confining dogs to kennels or to the owner’s property. Dog breeding must be controlled. Unwanted dogs should be placed for adoption or destroyed rather than abandoned, since the latter leads to the formation of free-living, feral populations.
Dog management programs should include the following:
(1) public education about proper care and confinement of dogs;
(2) laws that identify that dog owners are legally responsible for damage caused by dogs;
(3) laws that prohibit abandonment of unwanted dogs and require humane disposal of unwanted dogs;
(4) holding facilities and personnel trained to handle unwanted or nuisance dogs; and
(5) assistance by professional control specialists where feral dogs are established.
Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Exclusion
Net wire fences. Electric fences.
Frightening
Yard lights, effigies, pyrotechnics. Electronic Guard. Livestock guarding animals.
Repellents
Several products are registered but are practical only for small areas. Capsaicin and anise oil may protect humans from attack by dogs.
Toxicants
Sodium cyanide in M-44 ejector devices
Fumigants
None are registered.
Trapping
Live traps. No. 3 or 4 steel leg hold traps. Cable neck snares.
Shooting
Hunting from the air. Hunting from the ground.
Other Methods
Eliminate food supplies. Destroy dens. Catch poles. Jab sticks.
Cultural Considerations Public education. Dog control laws. Professional carnivore damage control specialists.
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Feral Dogs | Feral Dog Overview | Feral Dog Damage Assessment | Feral Dog Damage Management | Feral Dog Resources | Feral Dog Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
