Changes have been made to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation’s (SCIC) Guardian Dog Rebate Program.

Under the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention Program, changes to the rebate will help to make it more affordable for producers to prevent wildlife damage to livestock, by upping the maximum rebate per dog from $100 to $400 per dog.

With the updated rebate, if a producer invests in an eligible guardian dog breed to safeguard their livestock herds, they are eligible for the new $400 amount, or the full value of the dog, if it is purchased for under $400.

The increased rebate goes into effect retroactively to April 1, 2024.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minster Davif Marit announced the changes to the program Wednesday.

The change to the rebate was made,following consultations with the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB).

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.

Prevention funding is available to producers for measures taken to limit or reduce wildlife damage to crops, feed supplies and livestock.

Producers are encouraged to contact their local SCIC office, regrading options to prevent wildlife damage.

For more information, call SCIC at 1-888-935-0000, or visit scic.ca.