Thursday, 3 April 2025

Northern Victoria Region

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:50): (1533) My constituency question is for the Minister for Environment. Recently in my electorate wildlife rescuers were called to a distressing situation involving a kangaroo that had been chased and attacked by a dog in the Coliban Main Channel in Faraday. The kangaroo was taken to a local registered wildlife shelter for rehabilitation. A report about the incident was made to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action by Wildlife Victoria on 28 March, and a local ranger from Mount Alexander shire attended the scene to remove the dog. However, the local laws officer from the shire advised that no fine had been issued to the dog’s owner as this matter was considered the responsibility of DEECA. This is not the first time I have raised wildlife incidents in the Coliban in this chamber, previously to the Minister for Water, who has not responded, and it is an increasing issue, particularly for dogs chasing native animals to a place that they cannot escape from. My constituents are asking: who is responsible for ensuring that irresponsible dog owners putting native animals at risk face repercussions for their negligence?