Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, has urged East Gippslanders to sign the wild dog petition, saying the scrapping of the program will have a far greater impact on more than just our farmers.
“The direct effects on our farmers are obvious; the stock losses that impact their viability and ability to stay on the land, but there are wider ramifications,” said Mr Bull.
“It impacts on our local economies as well. When farming families are losing so many lambs, things get stretched. They will cut down on going out for dinner, buying new boots and general spending as they tighten the belt.
“Wild dogs are estimated to cost our agriculture sector just on $90 million per year and Victoria is a large slice of that. East Gippsland accounts for the biggest share of Victorian stock losses.
“In Gippsland alone, we have had around 500 dogs dispatched by doggers in the past two years and there is still more than ever.
“It is a large amount to be taking out of rural communities like ours,” Mr Bull said.
“In addition, you also have the cost of lamb at the butcher or supermarket. When any commodity is in reduced supply, the price goes up.
“The reason I have this petition running is the state government has provided no guarantees the program will continue unchanged past October. One of the options it is considering is removing controls on public land, which would be disastrous for a number of reasons.
“The first is you cannot rely on dog fences as some would suggest. Falling trees, sambar deer and wombats ensure even the best fences come down regularly. They are beneficial but can only be one part of the toolbox.
“It is also too late to control dogs once they are on private land. Our doggers need to be able to trap the dogs on trails and tracks they use adjacent to freehold. They can trap them in these places because they know they walk them. They cannot trap them in open paddocks.”
Mr Bull said it was imperative the government continues the wild dog program unchanged in this part of the state.
“To sign the petition just google “wild dog petition” and it will appear at the top of your search,” he said.
