The fatal shooting of a family dog on a semi-rural property on the outskirts of Bendigo has reignited the divisive issue of gun ownership in regional areas.
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A Lockwood South woman’s Border Collie was shot in the back of the head last week by a neighbour who claimed the animal “went for him”.
The incident left the owners shaken and fearful for their safety, according to the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.
“We didn't hear any gunshots or barking,” she said.
Local police have investigated the matter, but it is currently unclear what action, if any, will be taken, despite a request for information from the Bendigo Advertiser.
The area, about 20 kilometres south-west of Bendigo, is littered with semi-rural properties, or hobby farms.
The current Domestic Animals Act 1994 allows, under certain conditions, for the owner of livestock to immediately destroy dogs found at large near livestock.
In 2015, Victoria Police Superintendent Craig Gillard proposed tough new laws banning guns from being kept at hobby farms or holiday houses, in response to a spate of thefts of weapons from rural properties across the state.
However, Police Minister Lisa Neville on Thursday said the state government will not be changing gun laws for hobby farmers.
"Our gun laws require people to justify owning a gun this applies to everyone if you are a farmer, hobby farmer or other person seeking to gain a licence. These are requirements under the national firearm agreement and is agreed to by each state," Ms Neville said.
"There are strict rules in place for those that misuse firearms and we expect those that hold firearms use them appropriately."
Victoria Police Inspector Ian Geddes said police were not aware of any submissions to government specifically about firearm ownership, use or storage on hobby farms.
“Firearms can be discharged on private property that is greater than five acres where the licenced shooter has permission of the landowner and is using their firearm in accordance with the conditions of their licence,” Inspector Geddes said.
“Where a property is less than five acres in size, an inspection must be completed by a Divisional Firearm Officer to ensure that the discharging of firearms will not present a unacceptable risk to neighbouring properties or the general public.”
Firearm licences cannot be issued for a genuine reason of ‘hobby farming’ as no such genuine reason exists under the Firearms Act 1996, Inspector Geddes said.
The Firearms Act 1996 requires that you must be a 'fit and proper person' to possess, carry, use, acquire or dispose of a firearm.
