A PACK of wild dogs have devastated a local alpaca stud in Palmvale overnight (September 26), killing three breeding males.
Longueville Alpaca Stud breeds a unique black variety of the highly sought after alpaca wool, but the owners were devastated to find their three breeding males mutilated and killed this morning.
Liz Coles and Rosemary Eva have owned the alpaca stud for 23 years and have a passion like many local farmers for their animals.
However, the recent rise in wild dog packs around their Palmvale property has led to increaing concerns and a need to initiate a baiting program.
“We’re absolutely devastated by the impact of these wild dogs,” Liz said.
“They were our only breeding males and this has resulted in the loss of a completed genic breeding program.”
Lougueville Park was the first farm to introduce alpacas to the Tweed Valley in 1995 and have had an extremely successful breeding program resulting in many shows at regional and national levels.
“It is well known that wild dogs are on the increase and they are causing devastation to the livestock and native animals,” Rosemary said.
“There needs to be an all out campaign to eradicate these animals as it’s costing the industry thousands.”
Liz and Rosemary said in spite of installing dog-proof fencing the wild dogs have still managed to breach the barriers and destroy valuable livestock.
The owners have also lodged a report with Tweed Police to ensure they are aware, as well as working Local Land Service who intends to commence a baiting program.
The fear is the wild dogs may also return to the area and land owners should be aware.
READ MORE: Pick up your copy of The Weekly on Thursday, October 4, for the full story and update on the stud.
