We’re calling on the Victorian Government to immediately remove dingoes from Victoria’s threatened species protections, following the release of new genetic research that raises serious questions about the scientific basis underpinning current conservation policy.
The call follows publication of the 2025 Molecular Ecology paper Domestic Dog Introgression in Australian Dingoes: Environmental Drivers and Evolutionary Consequences, alongside recent research undertaken by the University of Adelaide, which identified substantial levels of domestic dog ancestry within south- eastern Australian dingo populations.
The VFF said the findings fundamentally challenge the rationale for maintaining strict endangered species-style protections for dingo populations in North West Victoria.
VFF Acting President Peter Star said the government could no longer ignore emerging science while livestock producers continued to suffer the consequences of failed policy settings.
“The science underpinning current government policy has shifted.”
“When populations contain significant levels of historic domestic dog hybridisation, the government must seriously reconsider whether these animals should continue to receive the same threatened species protections.”
The research found dingo populations in eastern and southern Australia, including regions directly relevant to Victoria contained up to approximately 20–23 per cent domestic dog ancestry, while more remote central Australian populations remained far more genetically isolated.
Researchers also concluded that previous estimates of hybridisation may have been overstated due to incorrect interpretation of naturally occurring dingo genetic markers.
Mr Star said the Allan Government could no longer justify maintaining rigid protection arrangements while livestock producers across North West Victoria continue to face escalating stock losses, increasing wild dog activity and growing animal welfare concerns.
“Farmers are paying the price for a policy framework increasingly disconnected from both the science and on-ground realities.”
“Two breeding seasons have now occurred since protections were reinstated, and producers are reporting growing predation pressure with fewer practical tools available to respond.”
The VFF said the current Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permit system is failing farmers and creating unnecessary delays for producers attempting to protect livestock on private property adjoining public land.
The VFF is calling on the Victorian Government to:
· Remove dingoes from Victoria’s threatened species protections;
· Immediately review dingo management policy in North West Victoria;
· Restore practical control rights for landholders;
· Streamline ATCW permit access and approvals; and
· Reinstate a minimum three-kilometre management buffer adjoining public land.
The VFF also called on the Government to publicly release updated population modelling, livestock predation data and monitoring information following the reinstatement of protections.
“This has become a test of whether the Government is willing to listen to science, regional communities and common sense.”
“Conservation policy cannot come at the expense of livestock welfare, farming business viability and the safety of regional communities,” Mr Star said.