Trial Feral-Animal Bounty Program to be Introduced

Published on 24 September 2025

Mount Isa City Council is set to introduce a 12-month trial feral-animal bounty program, which aims to help the control of wild dogs and feral cats.

There will be a proposed bounty of $25 per feral-cat tail and $50 per wild-dog tail. It will apply only to feral animals from within the Mount Isa Local Government Area.

These species are recognised as high-priority pests due to their impacts on livestock, native wildlife, and overall community wellbeing.

Claimants must have the property owner’s written permission to undertake control activities on their land.

During the trial program, Council will monitor results and make necessary adjustments before committing to a permanent, large-scale program.

Similar bounty programs in neighbouring North West Queensland councils – including Cloncurry Shire, Etheridge Shire and Boulia Shire – have shown the schemes can be an effective part of pest-management strategies.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, Councillor James Coghlan said feral animals were a big problem in the Mount Isa region.

“It’s good to see that councils are starting to come together, because it’s a waste of time if just one or two councils are doing it,” Cr Coghlan said.

“It’s a great use of this money and anything we can do to help our native wildlife survive is well needed.”

Councillor Dan Ballard said he strongly supported the implementation of the trial program.

“It is for 12 months, and there will be tweaks and changes required for its long-term success, but I think this represents a big step in the right direction,” Cr Ballard said.

The initiative is consistent with the North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan, which identifies wild dogs and feral cats as priority pests requiring coordinated management.