Alpine dingoes at risk of extinction after Victorian government extends right to cull

At least 468 shot by government controllers last year out of an estimated population of as few as 2,640 in the state's east, advocates say

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Traditional owners and dingo advocates say a Victorian government decision extending the right to kill dingoes on private and public land until 2028 could threaten local populations with extinction.

A government order, which took effect on Tuesday, declared dingoes were unprotected wildlife" under the state's Wildlife Act. The ruling means dingoes can be killed by trapping, poisoning or shooting across large parts of eastern Victoria, despite being listed as threatened under the state's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.