A reprieve for dingoes

For years now, supporters like you have been calling on Victoria to stop the senseless killing of dingoes on private land—at last we have some exciting news to share with you.

On 14 March the Victorian Government announced they would end the dingo “unprotection order” in the north-west of Victoria which is home to the state’s most vulnerable dingo population. This means these precious animals can no longer be shot, trapped or poisoned on private land.

Dingoes are an important apex predator in the landscape and are of high conservation value. Data shows that the dingo population in the north-west is at risk of extinction, with as few as 40 dingoes left. You have helped to give this important population a chance to come back from the brink.

The Victorian Government has also ceased their cruel bounty scheme which paid $120 for every dead dingo. Plus, the government has committed to fund the adoption of non-lethal methods to help farmers protect their animals from dingoes. Now landholders in this region will need to apply for a permit if they wish to kill dingoes and they will not be rewarded for it.

You helped us keep up the pressure, so this series of wins would not have happened without you stepping up time and time again for dingoes. On behalf of these intelligent, native animals, thank you.

We have long called for an end to the cruel dingo “unprotection order” and the bounty scheme, so we are thrilled these callous and outdated dingo measures are coming to an end in the north-west of Victoria.

There is still more we need to do, as the “unprotection order” remains in place in other parts of Victoria. By 1 October this year, the government is going to decide whether to protect dingoes in other areas of Victoria.

Thanks to your ongoing support, we will keep the pressure up until every dingo is safe from shooting, trapping and poisoning on private land.