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Legal Requirements

In Australia, the management of dingoes both in the wild and in captivity is governed by State Legislation and Regulation.

The States and the Commonwealth of Australia, that enact legislation variously protect the dingo, call for its eradication and make regulations for the keeping of the dingo in captivity. There is also a lack of consistency in labeling, as they are variously called dingoes, wild dogs and hybrids.

We strongly oppose the export of dingoes as their behavior can be challenging and it is difficult if not impossible to provide support in foreign countries. Our anecdotal research suggests a low long term success rate for dingoes living outside Australia.

Victoria

In Victoria, the Dingo (Canis dingo) is listed as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It has also been unprotected on some farmlands and in Public Lands within three kilometers of private land. This means it can be lethally controlled in these areas.

A pure dingo can be kept in Victoria after obtaining a Dingo License which is issued under the Wildlife Act 1975. The main requirement for obtaining a License is the provision of an escape proof yard, which must be at least 30 meters square (for one or two dingoes), have fences at least three meters high, with a one meter inward facing mesh return fitted at the base of the fence and fastened to the ground at right angles to the fence (or fence anchored securely to a concrete slab).

Further information and a full list of requirements can be found on the DEPI website.

Dingo CARE Network can provide advise for members living in Victoria. Dingo-dog hybrids are kept under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, which requires they are registered by your local municipal council.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, wild dogs (including dingoes) are classified as a pest animal under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 which demands that land owners make all reasonable efforts to eradicate all dingoes/wild dogs. Although dingoes are not regarded as protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, they are granted full protection in national parks, and they are regarded as a native species under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). (If you are confused, so are we)

In NSW dingoes kept in captivity are managed under the same legislation as all domestic dogs, the Companion Animals Act (1998), so dingoes must be registered with your local Municipal Council.

More information about keeping dingoes as pets in NSW can be found at “Can I keep a dingo as a pet?”

While not mentioned on the web site it is understood that a permit is required to keep a dingo in the Western Division of NSW.

South Australia

Dingoes and hybrids are ‘proclaimed’ pests under the Animal and Plant Control Board (Agricultural Protection and Other Purposes) Act(1986) in the sheep zone south of the Dog Fence. Dingoes must be controlled in this zone and they can only be kept in authorized zoos and wildlife parks.

North of the Dog Fence, the dingo is regarded as a legitimate wildlife species and although unprotected, is afforded a level of protection by the South Australian Dingo Policy which imposes restrictions on dingo control beyond a 35-kilometre baited buffer zone north of the Dog Fence.

Dingoes may not be kept in a domestic situation in South Australia.

Queensland

The dingo is considered native wildlife under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and are protected on national parks. On Fraser Island (Great Sandy National Park) dingoes are managed in accordance with the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy. Elsewhere in Queensland dingoes are declared as a pest species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Dingoes may not be kept in a domestic situation in Queensland.

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory dingoes are regarded as having an important conservation value, and are regarded as protected, not threatened, under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (2000). However, dingoes can be legally killed is they are posing a threat to the livestock industry.
No information could be found regarding the keeping of dingoes in captivity in the Northern Territory, but anecdotal evidence suggests that people do keep dingoes as pets.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory dingoes are regarded as protected under the Nature Conservation Act (1980). On private land, the killing of wild dogs is allowed when with permission from the territory.

Tasmania

The import of dingoes to Tasmania is forbidden under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1970). The control of dogs that attack livestock is managed under the Dog Control Act (1987). Dingoes may not be kept as pets in Tasmania.