Feral dog populations threaten livestock in Tierra del Fuego and Magallanes

Authorities and producers in the Tierra del Fuego region are coordinating efforts to address the impact of feral dogs on rural areas. In Argentina, officials from Río Grande, the provincial Ministry of Production and Environment, the Sociedad Rural de Tierra del Fuego, and scientific representatives from CADIC-CONICET have formed a working group. The municipality of Río Grande is offering its experience in canine population control, including sterilization, vaccination, and identification, to help mitigate the issue.

In the neighboring Magallanes region, livestock producers are facing similar challenges. Following a rejected legal action against local municipalities and wildlife services, sheep farmers near Porvenir have appealed to regional parliamentarians. Producers report that packs of feral dogs are causing significant economic losses, killing livestock and native animals, and threatening the long-term viability of the regional ranching industry.