Reporters need to get out and about within the Wimmera and not rely on reports from locals. We certainly do not need international news in the paper that is covered in the Herald-Sun or The Age. There was no report in Monday’s paper about the new jazz and blues festival that was held over the weekend. There was lots about the Germanfest though.

Please look after the other towns in the Wimmera, not just Horsham. Horsham would be nothing without the other towns.

RHONDA HUF 

Dimboola

VICTORIAN farmers support a state government pledge to renew a bounty on wild dogs from early next year.

The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomes the news that the government would introduce the $120 bounty, in addition to a $10 fox bounty, with collection of skins to occur from March and October 2017 in controlled zones across northern Victoria and Gippsland.

Wild dogs attacks are a major threat to the agriculture sector – they’re not only cruel, but they reduce the ability of producers to run livestock.

We’re pleased to see the government reinstate the bounty because last time the program ran it was extremely successful at very little cost.

A total of 587 pelts were claimed in 2013-14, which was on top of the 480 dogs caught by the government’s wild dog controllers.

I didn’t understand why the government got rid of the bounty, considering it resulted in so many dogs being taken out of the landscape, but it’s great to see they’ve put more resources into the program for next year.

The government has also committed to kick-starting a new wild dog management advisory committee, with expressions of interest for the new committee to be sought from next month. The committee will evaluate the success of the bounty after 12 months and make recommendations to the government on its future use.

People wanting to participate in the wild dog bounty must understand where wild dogs can be controlled in the state.

PETER STAR

Victorian Farmers Federation 

WIMMERA dog breeders and pet owners can have their say through an inquiry that will investigate proposed new pet breeding laws.

The Nationals-Liberal Coalition was successful in establishing an inquiry into the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Bill 2016 in parliament this week.

I have received a number of letters and emails from concerned local breeders and people in the pedigree dog and cat breeding sector who are concerned at the Labor government’s proposed laws.

A newly-formed committee will give people the chance to have their say after the Andrews Labor government failed to consult the industry in developing its legislation.

Changes to crack down on unethical puppy farms are supported.

However, the Labor government’s bill went far beyond what it committed to at the 2014 election and will force anyone with a single breeding female who decides to sell the puppies to register as a domestic animal business. We need to improve animal welfare for dogs and cats in Victoria and crack down on unethical breeders who are still doing the wrong thing.

The committee will give all Victorians an opportunity to have their say and to also put some facts on the table to ensure the proposed legislation does not create perverse animal welfare outcomes.

The parliamentary inquiry,to be conducted by the Legislative Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, is expected to host public hearings over the coming weeks.

Further information on the inquiry is available at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eic/inquiries/inquiry/445

EMMA KEALY

Member for Lowan

ON behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation and Victorian families affected by blood cancer, I would like to thank the local team behind Ararat’s amazing Light the Night event on October 16.  

Light the Night is the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual fundraising walk and the money raised gives families the emotional and practical support they need and funds research to help more Australians beat blood cancer. 

The event at Ararat raised vital funds for the foundation and is the result of the hard work and enthusiasm of those community supporters who volunteered their time and efforts to make the night shine. 

I would like to thank the community who participated by carrying a lantern and giving generously to the cause. It is your support that makes the Leukaemia Foundation’s crucial work possible. For those who were unable to attend the Ararat Light the Night event, you can still support our cause by donating. You can continue to support Ararat’s Light the Night by searching for and making a donation at lightthenight.org.au or by calling 1800 500 088.

MEAGHAN BUSH

Leukaemia Foundation

A LETTER in the October 26 edition of the Mail-Times was incorrectly attributed.

The letter should have been attributed to community health co-ordinator Janine Harfield.

The Mail-Times apologises for the error.