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By Alice McFarlane

Guardian Dogs

Guardian dogs provide valuable protection to farms and ranches

Jul 4, 2024 | 1:35 PM

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has updated its Guardian Dog Rebate Program.

The changes made under the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention Program make preventing damage to producers’ livestock more affordable.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said the maximum rebate for the purchase of a guardian dog has increased from $100 to $400 per dog.

“The more producers can proactively make decisions, the better their chance of protecting their animals,” Marit said. “This change is part of a comprehensive strategy that focuses on the proactive prevention of wildlife damage, demonstrating our dedication to the agricultural industry.”

The change comes after working in consultation with the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, according to SSDB Executive Director Gord Schroeder.

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“Predation is a significant challenge for livestock producers. Guardian dogs are an important tool in reducing predation losses”, Schroeder said. “The increase in the guardian dog rebate will make purchasing a dog more affordable and reduce livestock losses.”

Under the new rebate, if a producer invests in a guardian dog breed to safeguard their livestock, they are eligible for the new $400 amount or the full value of the dog if it is purchased for less than $400. The increase will be retroactive starting Apr.1.

All Saskatchewan producers may be eligible for compensation for damage to crops and livestock caused by wildlife. Producers may also receive funding for preventative measures to reduce wildlife damage to feed supplies and livestock.

Producers should contact their local SCIC office about options to prevent wildlife damage.

These are the eligible guardian dog breeds under the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention Program.

1. Abruzzese Mastif

2. Akbash dog

3. Anatolian Shepherd

4. Armenian Gampr

5. Bakharwal dog

6. Bernease Mountain Dog

7. Bucovina Shepherd

8. Cão de Castro Laborerio

9. Cão de Gado Transmontano

10. Cão de Serra de Estrela

11. Carpathian Shepherd Dog

12. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

13. Central Asian Shepherd Dog

14. Dogo Sardesco

15. Estrela Mountain Dog

16. Georgian Shepherd

17. Great Pyrenees

18. Greek Shepherd

19. Gutta Kutta

20. Himalayan Sheepdog

21. Kangal

22. Karakachan

23. Karst Shepherd

24. Komondor

25. Kuvasz

26. Maremma Sheepdog

27. Mioritic Shepherd

28. Newfoundland

29. Perro Majorero

30. Polish Tatra Mountain Sheepdog

31. Pyrenean Mastiff

32. Rafeiro do Alentejo

33. Russian Bear Dog

34. Sage Koochee

35. Šarplaninac

36. Serbian Shephard

37. Slovak Cuvac

38. South Russian Ovcharka

39. Spanish Mastiff

40. Tibetan Mastiff

41. Tornjak

42. Vikhan Sheepdog

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW

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