Gippsland farmers are facing devastating losses as wild dog attacks escalate, threatening livestock, family pets and even community safety.
The Nationals are urging the State Government to urgently allocate additional resources to Victoria’s wild dog control program.
Speaking in state parliament, Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said one East Gippsland farmer had lost up to 300 sheep this year alone, despite investing in dog-proof fencing and using thermal gear nightly to deter them from attacking his livestock.
“Shocking photographic evidence of a recent wild dog attack sent to The Nationals highlights the devasting impacts on livestock farming – the Allan Government has a responsibility to do more to control wild dogs breeding on public land,” Ms Bath said.
“The local DEECA trapper and farmer have already trapped and shot 27 dogs on his property, yet cameras show 15 more dogs on the farm and up to seven on a neighbouring property.
“Wild dog attacks are now extending to calves, putting our farming families under immense pressure.”
State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the wild dog situation is worsening across Gippsland, with packs reported to be attacking family pets.
“Doggers who are tasked with controlling the population of wild dogs are overworked and under resourced,” he said.
Mr Bull said the scale of losses locally is untenable, quoting an email he received only days ago:
“Hi Tim, this is getting very frustrating for us. Between us and our local trapper we have trapped and shot over 27 dogs and have lost around 300 sheep just this year alone.
We have dog-proof fencing, I’m out checking cameras constantly and I’m out every night with thermal gear and it never stops.
We have seen at least another 15 dogs on our main farm cameras and five more on our other property down the road.
For the first time we’ve lost calves, so they’re not just killing sheep anymore.
Please, for the love of God, we need you to stop these idiots (pushing for greater protections).”
Mr Bull said it was incredible the Government had, earlier this year, even contemplated getting rid of the wild dog control program.
“Instead of strengthening the program, the Government has made life harder for departmental doggers, introducing mandatory 48-hour trap checks and additional administration requirements that leave them with less time in the field,” he said.
“Given the scale of losses being suffered, it is time to expand this program, increase workforce capacity and provide greater operational flexibility.”
Ms Bath said it is essential the State Government act now to protect farming families and ensure community safety.
“There is a need for increased funding and staffing for wild dog control programs, along with an expansion of buffer zones into Crown land to protect adjoining farms to complement trapping, shooting and targeted baiting.
“Farmers are doing everything they can, but without urgent government support, the viability of farming in Gippsland is at risk,” Ms Bath said.
