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Farmers wild over feral dogs
27 Jun 2003
Victorian farmers are hanging dead feral dogs on roadside fences as a protest at what they say is inaction by the State Government to deal with the livestock-killing pests.
The January bushfires forced many feral dogs out of state forests in search of food. One Burrowye farmer said he'd lost 240 sheep - about two-thirds of his flock - over the past year to dogs. He called on the Government to fence off the national park, as well as undertake serial baiting.
Another farmer, from Walwa, said he'd lost $15,000 worth of stock over the past three years, "which I can ill afford", but other farmers have lost a lot more. He criticised the Government for having too many "consultations" and not making any decisions.
As part of the bushfire recovery program, $3.75 million was promised to help farmers build dog-proof fences, but last week the Agriculture Minister admitted that fewer than 20 farmers have received fencing assistance.
However, the Government says it has spent an extra $650,000 on baiting and doggers to trap and shoot the wild dogs. The Government's North East Wild Dog Advisory Group will soon release its draft action plan.
Herald Sun, 27/6/03, page 5.
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