SCIC can help producers manage their predator attacks through control
measures designed to reduce the problem wildlife.

Recommended predator prevention management strategies:

• Fencing that is effective and specific to livestock/fowl operation
• Fence patrol
• Record keeping/monitoring of livestock or fowl on a daily basis
• Birthing area that is protected versus an exposed area or an area bordering prime wildlife habitat
• Properly trained guardian dogs
• Appropriate dead stock management (for example, dead stock should not be fed to guardian dogs)
• Use of llamas and donkeys as guardian animals
• Paddock/field size suited to the number of guardian animals
• Night confinement close to residence
• Noise, light and other deterrents

A combination of the above methods is often required.

SCIC can provide $100 to help producers offset the cost of purchasing a livestock guardian dog. The use of guardian dogs can be an effective method of preventing predation; however, it does require the commitment from the producer to develop the potential of the dog. Livestock guardian dogs are most effective when complemented by other predation management practices.

Producers requesting this funding should contact a customer service office  to complete a Guard Dog Rebate Application form. Receipt of purchase for the dog and breeder information is required to be eligible for compensation. There is no limit on the number of livestock guardian dogs that may be compensated. Recommended breeds can be found in the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Guardian Dogs Fact Sheet.

On the recommendation of a SCIC adjuster, a predation specialist can be hired to assess the situation and take steps to eliminate the predator problem. These predation specialists are experienced hunters and trappers who can provide effective control of problem wildlife. They can also provide advice and develop strategies to help protect livestock from further attacks. A predation specialist should be used in conjunction with other prevention strategies.

SCIC will review and determine whether a predation specialist is suitable for the situation. If so, a specialist in the area will be contacted to help resolve the problem. The predation specialist will then arrange for the appropriate permits to be in place. A farm visit is made and a producer waiver is signed before work begins. The predation specialist may remove the problem animal(s) and provide the producer with written information and/or training methods to resolve future problems. The producer is expected to implement the measures recommended by the predation specialist. Further predator control services and compensation may be denied if recommendations are not followed.

Producers are expected to implement the predator control measures recommended by the specialist and, in general, to follow good livestock husbandry practices to minimize the potential for predator problems. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities will result in a producer being denied further predator control services or compensation.