Bring back the wild dog bounty

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley is calling for the State Government to reinstate the successful wild dog bounty and Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee to properly address the devastation being caused in the North East.

Farmers are grappling with stock losses as wild dog populations grow following the State Government’s mismanagement of the Wild Dog Control Program.

Labor axed the successful $100 wild dog bounty, which was introduced in 2011 by the previous Coalition Government, and also dismissed the Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee, which gave the Department valuable insight and key advice on wild dog control measures.

Mr Tilley’s comments follow the confirmation on Wednesday that spring aerial baiting had begun near the Nariel Valley, Cudgewa and Mitta.

“Aerial baiting was an initiative of the previous Coalition government, in line with the feedback we were getting from farmers and landowners,” Mr Tilley said.

“But in order to properly address the devastating wild dog problem our farmers are dealing with, it is essential that the Government reinstates the wild dog bounty and the restores the Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee.

“Farmers need a fully integrated and properly funding program for wild dog control or they will suffer even more stock losses.”

Department figures confirm the wild dog bounty, which paid $100 to shooters for each pelt that incorporated a strip from the dog’s snout, ears, back and tail, resulted in a capture of 526 wild dogs a year and cost less than $60,000 a year.

Less wild dogs have been caught since the successful program was axed by the State Government.

Media contact: 0439 029 847                       tracey.holmes@parliament.vic.gov.au