Wild dog control and the law

Wild dog legislation

The wild dog is a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The dingo is defined as both 'wildlife' and 'native wildlife' under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. This means:

• Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, landholders have a legal responsibility to control wild dogs (including dingoes) on their land. Wild dogs cannot be moved, kept, (if a dingo), fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit.
• Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the dingo is protected within protected areas (e.g. national parks). Protected areas have their own management principles, which help to conserve their natural resources and natural condition; however, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation's good neighbour policy allows for the management of wild dogs in protected areas in certain circumstances.

Local government area biosecurity plans

Every local government in Queensland is required to develop a community biosecurity management plan for their area. This plan specifies the priority and actions for each stakeholder in the local area with regard to invasive plants and animals.

Many plans have wild dogs as a high priority and require landholders to take reasonable steps to minimise the impacts of wild dogs. Landholders are encouraged to work with their neighbours in coordinated control programs.

Read more about local government area biosecurity plans.

Other laws related to wild dog control

The following laws also relate to the control of pest animals in Queensland:

• Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
• Medicines and Poisons Act 2019
• Weapons Act 1990.

You will need to see how each applies to your individual situation. Your local council can give you advice on the control methods most suitable for your area, the conditions you may need to comply with, and what permissions you may require.

Search the local government directory to find contact details for your local council.

Also consider...

• Read the Wild Dog Management Strategy 2021–26.
• Participate in national pest animal mapping by reporting wild dog populations on the FeralScan website.
• Learn more about the Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG) that provides advice to the Queensland Government, local governments and industry on the strategic direction of wild dog management in Queensland.