Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has supported a petition to help secure funding for the Wild Dog Control Program, with its future continuing after October this year uncertain.
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull tabled the petition supported by Ms Cleeland who said the Minister must put an end to the uncertainty around the program by announcing recurring funding immediately.
“The government seems to believe the solution lies in farmers installing better fencing, and while there is no doubt this is a big part of controls, it cannot be solely relied upon. We have falling branches, animals, and wild weather that can all bring fences down, so we need every option available,” she said.
Effective wild dog programs rely on multiple tools and use an integrated and coordinated approach to reduce the numbers of wild dogs in the region.
Ms Cleeland said the Wild Dog Control Program is criticised due to a lack of first-hand farming experience, and said she had personally been affected by wild dogs near Strathbogie.
“This city-centric government has shown a clear lack of understanding about the importance of this program, and they really have no idea what impact this will have on the ground,” she said.
“Their attacks have had a significant impact on the welfare of our entire flock. These brutal attacks result in death, lambing losses, and immense stress on the livestock and the farm.”
The online petition closes on December 12. To sign the petition, visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/victorias-wild-dog-program.
