The federal government’s Environment Department says a full environmental assessment is needed for the proposal by Victoria’s Primary Industries Department.

That follows public consultation with the federal government seeking comment.

A spokeswoman said several comments were received from the indiviuals and organisations.

Comments were also sought from relevant state and commonwealth ministers, as required by national environmental law.

A decision will be made within 40 business days after receiving finalised documentation from the Victorian government.

But the spokeswoman from the federal department said no “satisfactory” documentation had yet been received from Victoria.

“The Victorian government must advertise the satisfactory preliminary documentation for public comment,” the spokeswoman said.

“Typically the assessment documentation is exhibited for 20 business days.”

A pledge was made by the Victorian government before the last election to introduce aerial baiting to stem escalating dog numbers.

Aerial baiting to cull wild dog numbers is done successfully in NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh last year announced that aerial baiting would proceed in March and April.

The latest hurdle means it will be put on hold possibly until spring.

It has been suggested that such baiting could have more impact at that stage particularly on young dogs after breeding during the winter.

The application by the Primary Industries Department sought to use 10 baits per kilometre.

But concerns have been raised over the possible impact on the quoll population.

Research in NSW over many years shows aerial baiting has little impact on quolls and eliminates large numbers of dogs.