DEAR Mansfield Shire,
We, the Mount Samaria area sheep farmers, along with a growing number of landholders across Mansfield Shire, believe that the wild dog situation in Mansfield Shire is worsening.
We have read with interest recently as the issue has found its way into the Mansfield Courier and we applaud those who have spoken to the newspaper to shed light on this monumental agricultural problem surrounding Mansfield Shire - Steve Rabie, the Diamonds and the Mahoneys to single out a few.
We have been dealing with wild dogs coming out of the Mount Samaria State Forest and onto our farms to feed on our livestock for some years.
For decades.
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Our frustration at finding our sheep, including their vulnerable young, fed upon in our paddocks and around our homes has been replaced by despair.
We have spoken with DECCA on numerous occasions and no assistance has been forthcoming.
Long ago, we realised we are on our own in dealing with this problem.
While the sight of dead and disfigured sheep in our paddocks has long left us with an unbearable sinking feeling in our hearts, the dreadful anticipation of wondering where and when another attack might occur has simply been too much to bear for many.
We should not have to stoop down to pick up, or put down, the mess that these dogs leave upon our properties.
We should not have to bury our animals, only to rebury them once the pack has come back for a further feed on the carcass.
A number of farmers in our area no longer farm sheep due to the ongoing wild dog problem in Mount Samaria State Park.
We have attended workshops, completed surveys and called for information sessions.
Our requests for support have always fallen upon deaf ears.
Insufficient action has been taken to this point and the situation is worsening.
“Contrary to the misconception that some possess of farmers, we are not a group of hunters.
We believe that government has a duty of care for the farmers who feed the people.”
Left alone by a state government whose policy and legislation around trapping, baiting, and the management of invasive species seems only to have exacerbated our problems, we respectfully call upon Mansfield Shire Council to step forward to support the farming community by initiating a coordinated response to increased wild dog activity on private land and increased livestock losses.
We request that you bring the Mansfield Shire rural community together in the spirit of communication and collaboration, as we attempt to manage this significant problem.
We, like Mayor Rabie, believe it is a matter of time before there is a wild dog attack on a resident or a tourist.
We believe that immediate action is required to remedy the situation before control is lost completely.
Sincerely, The Mount Samaria area sheep farmers.
Jenny Delaforce
Peter Taylor
Rob Hall
Gerry O'Halloran
Libby Vasey
Jim Vasey
Tom Forrest
Ross Cleeland
Joe Kirley
Matt Byrne
Harrison Parks
David Dawes
Sev Steinlauff
