Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Dog Attacks On Humans Only A Matter Of Time

The Bracks Government’s neglect of the serious wild dog problems in north eastern Victoria has local farmers worried about a future dog attack on bushwalkers.

By Phillip Davis - 23rd June 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today the Bracks Government had spent the past four years ignoring advice from the Liberal Party and farmers in Victoria’s north-east and far east Gippsland about the increasing numbers of vicious wild dogs.

Mr Davis said farms in the Tallangatta region were constantly under attack from wild dogs and farmers were forced to keep a nightly vigil over their stock.

"Farmers are still losing millions of dollars worth of stock while the Bracks Government simply sits back and refuses to admit wild dogs are a problem," Mr Davis said.

"The Liberal Party has been keeping the government to account on this issue for three years, but still the problem remains.

"Farmers have been camping out in their paddocks to keep an eye on their stock, employing shooters to hunt the dogs from their properties and even the desperate measure of installing surveillance cameras or selling up their properties all together.

"Dog traps are clearly not working and another solution must be found.

"Because these dogs come from Crown land, farmers in Tallangatta are understandably holding grave fears for the public using Crown land for recreational purposes."

"It is only a matter of time before someone gets attacked by wild dogs. It would be a tragedy if this happened because governments have not been prepared to admit there is a problem and take some action to control wild dogs. It doesn’t matter who you talk to, anyone who has property near crown land or parks is having the same problem." – Ross Moyle, The Border Mail, Wednesday 21 June 2006

Mr Davis said the Bracks Government must begin aerial baiting to control the wild dogs.

"Farmers throughout the affected regions of Victoria are crying out for aerial baiting to bring wild dog numbers under control," he said.

"One has to question the point of trialing non-toxic aerial baits in the north east, which was the Bracks Government’s ‘solution’ to this problem. These baits have obviously had no affect on the dogs, and they continue to slaughter hundreds of sheep every week.

"A Liberal Government will conduct a controlled aerial baiting trial for wild dogs and if the trial is successful, a Liberal Government will introduce a full aerial baiting program.

"The Bracks Labor Government will continue to ignore this wild dog problem at its own peril. It will be too late to act after the wild dogs decide to turn on bushwalkers or others using public land."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Rising dog attacks concerns in East Gippsland highlight the need for responsible ownership and community safety
  East Gippsland has seen over 140 dog attacks last year, 31 this year. Council urges responsible ownership, leashing, and secure confinement to keep pets, people, and public spaces safe.
• Darren Chester praises Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti and her metal kelpies ‘Railway Dog’ to be unveiled in Glengarry on 22 March 2026
  Three life-sized metal kelpie sculptures by Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti will be installed along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, celebrating the legendary Railway Dog story and boosting tourism.
• Albanese government’s plan undermines veterans’ rights and attacks defence honours tribunal independence
  Albanese Government’s proposed changes to the Defence honours appeal system would restrict veterans’ rights, weaken Tribunal independence, and impose strict time limits on recognition of service, drawing strong backlash and Coalition opposition.
• Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
  The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull.
• Paynesville slip road Maritime Precinct enters final construction phase with jetties, boat ramp and seawall nearing completion
  Construction of Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct is nearing completion, delivering new jetties, boat ramp, seawall, and waterfront spaces to support boating, tourism, and the local marine industry.
• Marvel at Skull Rock: Gippsland’s massive ocean monolith, accessible only by boat from Wilsons Promontory National Park
  Explore Skull Rock, Gippsland’s dramatic ocean monolith, via Wanderer Adventures’ boat cruises from Wilsons Prom. Spot seals, dolphins, remote beaches, and ancient rock formations on this unforgettable marine adventure.
• Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Eastern Victoria to receive over $1M for improved walking, cycling, and regional transport links
  Eastern Victoria communities will benefit from over $1 million in funding for walking, cycling, and bus stop upgrades, improving local transport links through the Labor government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program.