A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning report obtained under freedom of information last week revealed an increase in kangaroos killed for pet food "threatened the sustainability of kangaroo populations in future years if an expectation of a steady supply of carcasses was created".

But VFF livestock president Leonard Vallance said a decision over making the trial permanent, after it launched in areas including Wangaratta and Benalla in 2014, should be "based on objective evidence, not an emotional knee-jerk reaction".

"The success of the kangaroo pet food trial has clearly demonstrated that it is an effective system for sustainably managing kangaroo populations and reducing waste," he said. 

"We've heard shocking stories of emaciated, skinny kangaroos in overpopulated areas - this is a genuine animal welfare concern that needs to be addressed."

Speaking in Victorian Parliament this week, Mr Tilley said kangaroos were "in plague conditions" in Benambra and disputed DELWP's claim that 1 million had been killed in Victoria since 2014.

"I am blown away by any suggestion that the kangaroo pet food trial should be under any threat," he said.

"To understand the constant hazard posed by the kangaroo population, you simply have to ask the panelbeaters how business is going currently.

"The kangaroos are currently moving into populated areas and certainly they are grazing around the schools, parks, streets - in particular around populated areas - in search simply for food and water."

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