Download frequently asked questions for the private keeping of the dingo

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 AustraliaDingo
Australiandingo.com.au
Australian Dingo Conservation Association
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.