In May, an article which stood out above the rest was the coverage of a rise in attacks on livestock by wild animals.
A rise in attacks on livestock by wild animals prompted an emergency community meeting which saw landowners, politicians and councillors unite to find a solution.
These attacks were carried out by both domestic wild dogs and dingos and it resulted in the formation of the Yarra Valley Wild Dog Action Group (YVWDAG).
There had been a growing sentiment of fear, frustration and resentment among the landowners who all shared their own horror stories about gory livestock discoveries, wild dog encounters and long nights keeping watch over cattle.
Wild dogs include feral dogs, dingoes and their hybrids and are considered a serious pest animal in Australia that have a detrimental effect on the agricultural sector, potential to cause adverse social impacts and are perceived to cause environmental damage.
But, a 2023 study by the University of New South Wales found there is limited evidence of interbreeding between wild dogs and dingoes, meaning most animals previously thought to be wild dogs, are in fact likely to be dingoes.
While landowners called for lethal management of wild dogs and dingoes, conservationists argued for a balanced, non-lethal approach to ensure dingo populations were protected.
“It’s going to require investment in non-lethal management, so stock protected by electric fences, improved fences, but also guardian animals like donkeys and maremma dog,” Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) park protection and nature campaigner Jordan Crook said.
But Stock and Land journalist Barry Murphy said this was out of touch with the damage caused to livestock.
“So for us it’s all about demonstrating just how bad it is.”
Read the rest here: upperyarra.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2025-05-05/landowners-unite-over-increase-in-wild-dog-attacks/
