22 May 2025
South Australian and north-west Victorian livestock producers are struggling to deal with increasing wild dog attacks more than a year on from the Victorian Government’s decision to cease the dingo unprotection order in the north-west of the state.
Since the March 2024 decision to revoke the dingo unprotection order, farmers in north-west Victoria and South Australia have reported a sharp rise in wild dog activity, threatening their stock and livelihoods.
South Australian sheep producer, Richard Halliday said there has been increased wild dog activity in the upper southeast and Mallee districts of South Australia.
“I’ve also heard reports of wild dog attacks on properties adjoining the Ngarkat National Park,” said Mr Halliday.
“These reports are deeply concerning, as producers face not only the immediate impact of stock and lamb losses, but also the ongoing stress on surviving animals – particularly pregnant ewes – which may result in further losses.”
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President, Brett Hosking, said wild dog attacks were particularly hard to stomach at this time of year.
‘Farmers in north-west Victoria who are currently commencing lambing of ewes are experiencing the devastating impacts of wild dog attacks on livestock while pregnant ewes are at their most vulnerable,” said Mr Hosking.
“These farmers have very little options available to them to control wild dog populations and prevent these attacks. They’re often left feeling helpless and distraught at the cruel impact on their livestock.”
Mr Halliday said that producers in South Australia were trying to combat increasing numbers of wild dogs through legislated baiting programs where wild dog sightings or attacks have occurred.
“It’s not an easy time to be a South Australian sheep producer and I worry the losses and anxiety that wild dog attacks cause may result in producers deciding to leave the industry altogether,” said Mr Halliday.
VFF and the National Wild Dog Action Plan will continue to work together to support producers in north-West Victoria.
“VFF’s ongoing partnership with the National Wild Dog Action Plan is ensuring farmers are not left to face these attacks on their own. We encourage government to also partner with us to improve the safety and productivity of farmers as well as maintain healthy populations of dogs and dingoes,” said Mr Hosking.
For more information about the National Wild Dog Action Plan, visit www.wilddogplan.org.au.
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