Livestock predation management in eastern Victoria
The Victorian government acknowledges that livestock predation is a significant challenge for Victorian farmers, and the Government has undertaken a review of the policy and regulatory settings to appropriately balance the protection of livestock and the conservation of dingoes.
From 1 October 2024, to allow for the control of dingoes where they threaten livestock and livestock production, a new Order in Council has been made under section 7A of the Wildlife Act 1975 , declaring the dingo as unprotected on private land and within a 3km buffer zone along the boundaries of public land in eastern Victoria. The Order revokes and replaces the order made in March 2024 and will have effect until 1 January 2028.
Under these settings dingoes may continue to be controlled in eastern Victoria using lethal and non-lethal means; noting that the wild dog bounty has been discontinued. Lethal control of dingoes in the 3km buffer zone can only be carried out by trained and accredited DEECA staff and contractors.
Dingoes will remain protected in the north west of the state, where the local dingo population is critically low and at risk of extinction. In the remainder of the State, where there is limited evidence on the presence of dingoes, any predation control may continue in accordance with relevant Victorian laws such as the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 , Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 .
Further information on dingoes and the current Order in Council.
