Download Dingo-keeping-FAQs-2013_FINAL1

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THE PRIVATE KEEPING OF THE
DINGO
What is a Dingo?
The Dingo (Canis lupus subsp. dingo) is a subspecies of the Wolf and was introduced to
Australia about 5,000 (to 10,000) years ago. The Dingo is the largest terrestrial predator in
Australia. It is both culturally important to indigenous people and valued as an iconic
Australian species. The Dingo has become an important predator of some kangaroo and
wallaby populations. There is evidence that the Dingo also reduces populations of the
introduced Red Fox and Cat, thereby reducing predation pressure on threatened small to
medium-sized native mammals.
What is a Dingo-dog hybrid?
A Dingo-dog hybrid results from the crossing of a domestic dog with Dingo. Ecologists
believe that the greatest threat to the Dingo in Victoria is hybridisation with domestic dogs
and Dingo-dog hybrids.
Can I tell a Dingo from a Dingo-dog hybrid?
Pure Dingoes cannot be reliably visually distinguished from wild domestic dogs or hybrids,
but genetic tests can distinguish between these three groups.
Is the Dingo a threatened species in Victoria?
Yes, the Dingo is a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and
as a result is protected wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975.
What is being done in Victoria to protect the Dingo in the wild?
The Dingo is a protected species in all remote area of crown land. DEPI has developed the
Dingo Action Statement in consultation with major stakeholder groups which will be released
shortly. The Action Statement is a management plan that sets out the priority conservation
actions for the Dingo over the next 5 years.
How will this affect wild dog control?
The listing of the Dingo will not affect the ability of farmers to control wild dogs. Current
Victorian Government policy supports the control of wild dogs, including Dingoes, in areas
where they threaten livestock, but not the active control of Dingoes in remote areas.
Can I keep a Dingo in Victoria?
Yes, you can keep a Dingo. To do this you need to have a Dingo Licence under the Wildlife
Act 1975.
Can I keep a Dingo-dog hybrid?
Yes you can keep a Dingo-dog hybrid. To do this you need to registerer your Dingo-dog
hybrid with your local government under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. (Pure Dingoes are
exempt from this requirement).
How many Dingoes can I keep?
There is no limit to how many Dingoes you keep under a Dingo Licence. Local government
do have restriction on how many dogs a person can own. You will need to check with your
local government regarding these restrictions.
Are Dingoes different from pet dogs?
Yes, Dingoes are different from pet dogs. They behave differently, need special enclosures
and will bond quickly with their owners but seldom with other people. DEPI recommend prior
to purchasing a Dingo you carefully consider the responsibility and if you have the time to
care for a Dingo.
To find out more information about keeping Dingoes,, you can speak to one of the Dingo
organisations listed below.
Where can I get my Dingo genetically tested?
Many breeders in Victoria already know the genetic status of their Dingoes. In most cases
when you buy a puppy you will be able to ask them about the purity. If you currently own a
Dingo and are unsure of its purity please contact a Dingo organisations that will be able to
help you determine the purity of your animal.
What type of permit do I need to keep a Dingo and how much will it cost?
Prior to owning a Dingo you need to apply for a Dingo Licence. The fee for this licence is
currently $123.20 and Customer Service Centre (CSC) can send you an application form.
Please check with your local government regarding the cost of registration of a Dingo-dog
hybrid. Pure Dingoes are exempt from this (dog registration) requirement.
What type of permit conditions are there for keeping a Dingo?
There are a number of conditions on the Dingo Licence that you will need to comply with
before owning a Dingo and throughout the Dingoes life. For a full list please go to
HYPERLINK "http://www.depi.vic.gov.au" www.depi.vic.gov.au. The most important
consideration is that you are able to comply with the security requirements for keeping these
animals.
If I am a holder of Wildlife Displayer license can I own a Dingo?
Yes, you will be able to own a Dingo under your current permit. Contact DEPI Wildlife
Licensing on 136 186 to find out what you need to do to have your licence amended to
include keeping dingoes under your licence.
I am moving interstate can I take my Dingo?
Wildlife laws vary between each State/Territory. Therefore, it is recommended that before
you consign a Dingo, you contact the relevant interstate Authority about the legal
requirement for keeping Dingoes in that State/Territory. An Export Permit is required if you
intend to transport wildlife out of Victoria to any other State or Territory, within Australia. For
more information please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.depi.vic.gov.au"
www.depi.vic.gov.au.
I am moving overseas can I take my Dingo?
Moving wildlife into or out of Australia is a Commonwealth issue. For more information you can phone the
Wildlife Trade Permits Team of the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on +61 2 6274
1900 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected].
What legislation is involved with the private keeping of Dingoes?
The Dingo is protected wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is an offence to own a Dingo
without a permit. The Dingo is also part of the Dog family and dingo-dog hybrids are
regulated by the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Where can I find out more information about keeping a Dingo?
To find out more information on keeping a Dingo please visit the following Dingo
organisations Dingo Care Network Inc
HYPERLINK "http://www.dingo.org.au" www.dingo.org.au
Australian Dingo Conservation Association
HYPERLINK "http://www.dingoconservation.org.au" www.dingoconservation.org.au
Ozwolf Dingo Foundation
www.ozwolf.com.au
If I apply for a licence will my premises be inspected?
Your premises may be inspected prior to receiving a licence. Officers authorised under the
Wildlife Act 1975 are able to, among other things, enter onto a licence holder’s property to
inspect a premises (other than a dwelling house where a search warrant is required) at any
reasonable time, in order to ascertain if the licence holder is complying with the conditions of
the licence. Officers always carry formal identification, which can be produced on request.
What happens if I don’t comply with my licence conditions?
If you are found not to be complying with the licence conditions you could have your animals
seized, be liable for large fines and run the risk of not being able to own any wildlife in the
future.
What happens if I get a Dingo and don’t have a licence?
If you are found to possess wildlife without a valid licence you could have your animals
seized, be liable for large fines and run the risk of not being able to own any wildlife in the
future.
Can I walk my Dingo?
Yes you can walk your Dingo. You must ensure that they are controlled by means of a chain,
cord, leash or harness, even within a designated ‘off-lead’ area.
Why do I need to microchip my dingoes and dingo pups?
All dingoes 7 weeks of age or older must be marked for identification purposes with a
microchip. This is so that DEPI can identify all Dingoes in a licence holder’s possession.
At what age can I sell my dingoe’s pups?
Dingo pups can be sold at 7 weeks of age or older. This is to ensure they are self-sufficient
(i.e. no longer dependent on their mother for feeds), but is also considered young enough to
ensure they are able to form a sufficient bond with their new owners.
Can I breed my Dingo with dogs?
DEPI do not recommend breeding Dingoes unless you are a member of a Dingo
conservation group and are sure that you have good homes available. You must not breed a
pure Dingo with anything but a pure Dingo.
Do I need to register my Dingo with Local Government?
Dingo-dog hybrids must be registered with Local Government.
If you keep pure Dingoes you are exempt from this (dog registration) requirement.
How old do I need to be to own a Dingo?
You need to be at least 18 years of age before you can possess a Dingo.
Can I use my dingo to promote dingo conservation under my Dingo Licence or display
my dingo at a canine show?
Yes, under the Dingo Licence you can use your dingo for non-commercial education
purposes or display dingoes at a canine show. However when displaying dingoes at a canine
show you must ensure that you or someone permitted by you is in attendance at all times to
ensure the dingo is protected from abuse or harassment by patrons, that the dingo is under
control at all times, that every precaution is taken to prevent risk of injury to the dingo or
other persons and that the dingo is conditioned to handling.