The Andrews Labor Government needs to guarantee it will continue to allow wild dog controllers to bait and trap on public land within three kilometres of private property.

Control measures in these areas are currently permitted, but a 2018 five-year order that allows this is due to expire on October 1 and Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, says the silence from the Government on the topic is very concerning.

“Here we are, just weeks away from the deadline and the government is silent. Two months ago, a spokesperson for the Minister said it was still under consideration and the decision was still months away, leaving time to assess all options,” said Mr Bull.

“Well, it is now only weeks away and what our farmers need is some security and reassurance.

“What I am hearing on the ground from some Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action staff, is they are concerned the order will not be renewed. If this is the case, it will only allow wild dog controls to occur on private property and this will make farms much more vulnerable to attacks.

“Controllers need every tool in their kit to halt these stock killers and that often includes finding their tracks and routes in the bush around farms. If you take this away, it just makes it so much tougher for them to do their job.

“The National Wild Dog Action Plan states wild dogs cost the economy $89m per year and eastern Victoria is a hotspot where we need all control measures available.”

Mr Bull said of most concern is that farmers have not been consulted at all.

“We have the Animal Justice Party advocating for more protections for wild dogs, saying they are all dingoes, but it seems no-one is talking to our food producers about the issue and getting their perspective.

“I hope this is not yet another decision where this city-centric government and its metro bureaucrats make another call to the detriment of country Victorians without talking to the impacted stakeholders.

“There should be no weakening of wild dog control measures,” said Mr Bull.

Caption: Farmers are calling for a guarantee they will still be able to protect their livestock from wild dogs (pictured) within three kilometres of their private property beyond October 1, 2023.

Monday, 11 September 2023