Scalped: Biosecurity Victoria’s Graig Clutterbuck with fox scalps deposited in Geelong.
By Michelle Herbison
A FOX bounty swapping scalps for cash at Geelong and Colac has been successful in curbing pests, according to State Government.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the bounty reduced the region’s fox population by nearly 6000 since its introduction nine months ago.
About 170 hunters received $10 for each fox scalp at Geelong and Colac.
Mr Walsh said 80,000 foxes and wild dogs were slaughtered for the bounty state-wide.
“That’s 80,000 foxes and wild dogs no longer able to breed or savagely maul lambs and calves, devastating the livestock and farmers who have to deal with the horrific consequences.”
Mr Walsh said the bounty allowed livestock owners who were already controlling pests to be compensated for their efforts.
Shadow agriculture and rural and regional development minister John Lenders said the Government needed to do more than kill foxes.
“While I congratulate Mr Walsh on his pest eradication achievements, the
Baillieu Government has many other priorities that regional Victorians are
still waiting for.”
