The fox bounty will be extended for another four years and there will be an increase in the aerial baiting of wild dogs as part of an Andrews Labor Government package to help farmers better manage pests.
Foxes and wild dogs can decimate farming enterprises, causing significant stock losses, and have serious consequences for biodiversity and the health and sustainability of rural and regional Victoria.
The 2016/17 Victorian Budget will include $6.2 million to address farmers’ concerns about these pests.
This additional investment will allow the aerial baiting of wild dogs to run twice yearly in spring and autumn - key periods when wild dogs are most active and baiting is most effective. This is double the activity under the former Coalition Government.
It builds on the current wild dog program, incorporating the recommendations from a recent review of control and management activities.
The popular fox bounty will continue for another four years to help reduce the impact of this widespread pest. In 2014-15, over 100,000 fox scalps were handed in as part of the fox bounty program and there have already been almost 75,000 scalps handed over in this financial year.
Eligible Victorian hunters can submit acceptable entire fox scalps for a $10 reward at 21 collection centres across Victoria during scheduled collection times.
It’s estimated that the impact of wild dogs comes at a cost of $13–18 million per year. This is why the Labor Government is taking action to protect farmers, their animals and crops.
For more information on pest management and the work underway to support farmers and rural communities please visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We are putting farmers first, and responding to their requests to allow the aerial baiting of wild dogs twice a year.”
“We will continue to work with landholders, farmers, environmental groups and everyone involved in pest management to reduce the impact of foxes and wild dogs.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Foxes and wild dogs are responsible for regular stock loss and often horrific injuries to lambs and calves on Gippsland farms - these measures will provide enormous help to some of Victoria's most regional and remote areas.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020