State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull has welcomed the announcement today that there will be a significant increase in wild dog baiting across East Gippsland. The Government is implementing a recommendation from the Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee to use funding allocated to aerial baiting for additional targeted ground baiting, rather than spending it on more survey work to satisfy the Federal Government.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh, said the Commonwealth rejected Victoria’s application for aerial baiting, which was planned to begin this month, but now will not be conducted this season, despite New South Wales having a near-identical aerial baiting program already in place.

“Aggressive baiting campaigns are needed to reduce wild dogs, which predate native fauna and lambs.”

Mr Bull said it came down to a case of expending the funds allocated for the aerial baiting on survey work to satisfy the Federal Government with no guarantees of approval, or utilise the funds on actions directed at the problem. “I think the recommendation from the Wild Dog Advisory Committee, which contains local land holders from the problem areas, is a smart one and I am fully supportive.”

Mr Walsh said autumn was an ideal time to target wild dogs with bait, as they were more mobile during the mating season.

“Wild dogs are often visible at this time of the year as they are actively moving around looking and competing for mates,” Mr Walsh said.

“Our extra ground baiting programs during this period are designed to have maximum impact on wild dogs and provide additional protection for livestock.

“While it is frustrating that our application for aerial baiting has been denied, it is important we respond quickly and put funding to effective use.”

Mr Walsh said autumn was also a good time for landholders to increase their own efforts in protecting their properties from the impacts of wild dog activity, by conducting community baiting programs with their neighbours.

Mr Walsh said landholders could also take advantage of the Victorian Government’s fox and wild dog bounty, with the behaviour of wild dogs during the mating season making them more vulnerable to hunters.