The State Government must commit to continuing the wild dog program in Victoria, as farmers continue to see distressing and costly attacks on their animals, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad told Parliament that some sheep graziers in her electorate have had up to 30 lambs mauled in a single night.
“In many cases the dogs do not actually kill stock but maul them to such an extent that they suffer a very slow and painful death.
“I know farmers in the north-east who had been waiting very patiently to meet with the minister to talk about this issue, because they had been told that they would be consulted as the government undertakes a review of the program in that area.
“After raising the issue in Parliament, it was good to hear that the minister met with farmers to hear their concerns.
“Farmers across the state are worried after the State Government’s decision earlier this year. Without any consultation and with only a few hours’ notice, the government revoked an unprotection order on wild dogs in north-west Victoria.
“Farmers have been advised that what was previously considered to be a wild dog is now a protected dingo. Since revoking the unprotection order the government has rejected applications for authority to control wildlife permits.”
Ms Broad said: “Victoria is Australia’s largest sheep meat producer, and by value we account for over 50 per cent of Australia’s wool exports.”
Ms Broad had a stand at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo where farmers from across the state shared their concerns about the State Government’s handling of the wild dog program.
“The show attracted thousands of people to Bendigo and showcased a world-class industry, including food, fibre and fashion industries – industries this government should be supporting,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“The wild dog program is needed, and the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Environment have a shared responsibility to ensure that it continues.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
