We’re calling on the Victorian Government to urgently strengthen wild dog management programs, particularly in light of the mounting impact seen in North-West Victoria and where non-lethal controls have failed to protect livestock.
VFF Vice-President Peter Star said that concerns are growing over potential changes to the dingo unprotection order and that now is not the time for the Government to retreat from effective, science-based wild dog management.
“In the North-West, where lethal control methods have been restricted, farmers are already seeing the consequences, more frequent and brazen livestock attacks, increased stock losses, and rising emotional and financial stress,” Mr Star said.
“These are not isolated incidents. The lack of effective wild dog control is undermining confidence and doing real damage to rural livelihoods. We must not allow this to spread to other parts of the state.”
To address these growing concerns, the VFF is calling for a clear and firm government response:
- Maintain and expand wild dog control programs, including baiting and trapping in all high-risk areas;
- Strengthen support for livestock producers through increased access to practical control tools, training, and government-backed resources;
- Prioritise coordination across agencies, landholders, and conservation groups to ensure effective, unified management;
- Ensure all policy changes are science-based and reflect real-world on-farm experience—not ideology;
- Encourage reporting and evidence collection so control strategies are data-informed and responsive.
“Non-lethal controls alone are not working. We’re seeing that clearly in the North-West. Pair this with widespread drought across much of the state and there is recipe for disaster. The Government must act decisively to restore balance and ensure livestock protection is guaranteed.” Mr Star said.
The VFF will continue working with policymakers to ensure wild dog management remains a top priority for Victoria’s agriculture sector.
“Our farmers deserve protection, not platitudes. The tools exist, we just need the Government to use them,” Mr Star said.