The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, has called on the Allan Labor Government to take urgent action to address the growing impact of wild dog attacks across western Victoria, warning that farming families are facing devastating livestock losses and ongoing emotional distress.
Ms Kealy, who is also the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, recently met with concerned farmers in Rainbow, where local landholders raised serious concerns about escalating wild dog attacks and the growing pressure being placed on already stretched farming operations.
Ms Kealy has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, urging the Minister for Environment to provide farmers with greater access to Authority to Control Wildlife permits and implement stronger measures to tackle the escalating problem.
“Farmers across Lowan are contacting my office absolutely distressed by what they are seeing on their properties,” Ms Kealy said.
“These attacks are not isolated incidents. In parts of north-west Victoria, farmers are finding lambs mauled or killed on an almost daily basis, with some producers losing hundreds of lambs.”
Ms Kealy said the impact extended well beyond financial losses.
“People who have not lived or worked on a farm often do not understand the deep connection farmers have with their animals,” she said.
“Farmers care enormously about the welfare of their stock, and there is nothing more heartbreaking than heading out to the paddock in the morning and finding animals that have been savagely attacked and left to suffer.
“These attacks are horrific, cruel and deeply traumatic for farming families who are already under significant pressure.”
Ms Kealy said many affected landholders were frustrated by their inability to effectively protect their livestock.
“Farmers in areas that were previously designated as wild dog protection zones are now finding themselves unable to access ATCWs to control predators attacking their stock,” she said.
“It is unacceptable that producers are being left without the tools they need to defend their animals and livelihoods.”
Ms Kealy said the Allan Labor Government had failed to adequately respond to the growing crisis.
“Farmers are telling us the problem is getting worse, yet they are not seeing the level of action needed on the ground,” she said.
“The Allan Labor Government must stop ignoring the experiences of farming communities and work with local landholders to implement practical solutions.
“I am calling on the Minister for Environment to urgently provide access to ATCWs and ensure farmers have the ability to protect their livestock before more animals are lost.”