Farmer sends $40k bill to Victorian government for dingo attacks on sheep

A north-west Victorian farmer has submitted an invoice for nearly $40,000, citing losses caused by wild dog attacks on his livestock. The claim includes the death of 16 sheep and 145 lambs, along with expenses related to night patrols aimed at protecting his flock. Scott Keller, who operates a farm near Rainbow, on the eastern edge of the Big Desert, described the situation as dire and expressed hope that the invoice might bring attention to the growing crisis ahead of the November state election. Keller stated that since March 2024, the state government has prohibited the lethal control of wild dogs or dingoes in an effort to preserve the dingo population. He explained that prior to this policy change, government trappers managed problematic animals, which helped prevent predation on his livestock. Now, however, he claims the wild dogs are becoming increasingly bold, traveling up to eight kilometers from the scrub to attack his stock. Despite moving his flock closer to the farmhouse, attacks continue, raising concerns about the safety of his working dogs and family pets. The farmer’s invoice has sparked discussions among political figures, with several ministers referencing it during parliamentary sessions. Keller noted that while he does not anticipate the government paying the bill, the incident has generated public interest and pressure for change. The state opposition has pledged to reinstate the “unprotection order” that permitted lethal control if it secures victory in the upcoming election. Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy criticized the current administration for failing to grasp the challenges faced by rural communities. Kealy argued that the previous policy, allowing controlled culling of problem animals, was effective and that its removal has led to a surge in predation incidents. She accused the government of negligence, stating that the current approach allows wild dogs to kill livestock in a manner she describes as “cruel.” According to her, the lack of management has created a dangerous environment for both farmers and their animals. In response, a government spokesperson emphasized the commitment to balancing livestock protection with dingo conservation efforts. They acknowledged the emotional and financial toll on farmers affected by predation but clarified that compensation is not available for such losses. Instead, they highlighted ongoing initiatives by departments such as DEECA, Agriculture Victoria, and the Vertebrate Species Management Program, which aim to support farmers impacted by wildlife interactions. The situation reflects a broader tension between conservation goals and agricultural sustainability in the region. With hundreds of sheep reportedly lost to wild dog activity since the policy shift, the debate over how best to manage predator populations continues to intensify. As the election approaches, the farmer’s invoice may serve as a catalyst for further scrutiny of the policies governing wildlife management in Victoria.