Livestock producers across East Gippsland are reporting an increase in wild dog attacks in the wake of recent bushfire damage, with key farm infrastructure destroyed and animals left exposed.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says exclusion fencing and other protective measures were heavily impacted in fire-affected areas, allowing wild dogs to move more freely onto farmland.
VFF vice-president and north-east livestock farmer Peter
Star said the loss of infrastructure was already leading to more attacks on sheep and young cattle.
“These bushfires wiped out much of the infrastructure that was in place to help keep wild dogs away from livestock and we’re now seeing more and more wild dog attacks as a result,” Mr Star said.
“Wild dogs are coming out of the scorched hills seeking food and, without this separation infrastructure, they’ve got a free run at vulnerable livestock on farms.”
He said urgent support was needed to repair fencing and strengthen predator management programs across affected regions, including
East Gippsland, where many farmers are still recovering from fire impacts.
“We urgently need help to repair the damage. Without it, these attacks place additional financial and emotional strain on farmers already recovering from fire damage,” Mr Star said.
The VFF is calling for rapid rebuilding of exclusion fencing, coordinated predator control programs and increased investment in research and on-ground support for feral
dog management.
Mr Star said practical, evidence-based solutions were needed to protect livestock and rural livelihoods.
“Managing feral dogs is about balancing ecosystems with farming realities. When livestock is unprotected, wild dogs cause significant losses, particularly to sheep and young cattle,”
he said.
The VFF says it will continue working with farmers, government and conservation groups to deliver solutions aimed at safeguarding livestock and supporting rural communities across Victoria.
