The State Government needs to guarantee it will continue to allow wild dog controllers to bait and trap on public land within three kilometres of private property.
Control measures in these areas are currently permitted, but a 2018 five-year order that allows this is due to expire on October 1 and Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said the silence from the government on the topic is concerning.
“Here we are, just weeks away from the deadline and the government is silent. Two months ago, a spokesperson for the Minister said it was still under consideration and the decision was still months away, leaving time to assess all options,” Mr Bull said.
“Well, it is now only weeks away and what our farmers need is some security and reassurance.
“What I am hearing on the ground from some Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action staff, is they are concerned the order will not be renewed. If this is the case, it will only allow wild dog controls to occur on private property and this will make farms much more vulnerable to attacks.
IMAGE: Farmers are calling for a guarantee they will still be able to protect their livestock from wild dogs (pictured) within three kilometres of their private property beyond October 1, 2023.
