THE suspension of dogman Brian McNamara from his job is causing ructions with farmers and others in the Corryong district.
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He is regarded as an icon in his profession, having filled the role for more than 30 years.
The suspension has apparently been in place for many weeks.
But the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is loathe to provide information, saying it is an internal matter.
That is probably a fair call considering an investigation is continuing and will hopefully be resolved sooner rather than later.
The concern from farmers and others is the loss of Mr McNamara’s undoubted experience, and possibly the department’s treatment of him.
There is no doubt dogmen operate in a tough and at times dangerous occupation.
A former member of the state’s wild dog advisory committee says red tape is restricting the effectiveness of the dogmen.
Farmers see the dogmen in the field less frequently and say they apparently spend more time in the office entering data on computers, which includes GPS locations of dog sightings.
Mr McNamara is supported by many people, who say there is no substitute for experience.
The issue must be sorted out quickly for the benefit of Mr McNamara, farmers and the department.
