A PETITION has been launched by The Nationals to help secure the funding of the wild dog control program, with the future of the program yet to be confirmed past October of this year.
The petition was launched by Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull and is being supported by colleagues within the party, including The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland.
“The minister must put an end to the uncertainty around the program by announcing recurrent funding immediately,” Ms Cleeland said.
“With the region in the middle of lambing season for many producers, there is an urgent need to recommit to the wild dog control program, and ensure our farms and stock are kept safe.
"We have personally been affected by wild dogs near Strathbogie, and their attacks have had a significant impact on the welfare of our entire flock.
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“These brutal attacks result in death, lambing losses, and immense stress on the livestock and the farmer."
The petition also requests:
- The three-kilometre buffer zone for controlling dogs be retained without alteration,
- All control measures currently available to doggers be retained without alteration,
- The annual publishing of the number and location of wild dogs euthanized by doggers, and
- The annual publishing of stock losses and reports made by community members in relation to wild dog attacks.
Ms Cleeland said criticism about the program was due to a lack of first-hand farming experiencing by policy makers in the city.
“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,” Ms Cleeland said.
“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.”
To sign the petition, please go to https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/victorias-wild-dog-program
