FAQs

Existing South Australian legislation and policies variously refer to ‘dingoes’, ‘dingo crosses’ and ‘wild dogs’ to describe the wild canids present in South Australia.

For the purposes of the revised Declared Animal Policy (Wild dogs and dingoes), the following definitions apply:

• Dingo: Native animal introduced to Australia approximately 3,500 years ago.
• Domestic Dog: Breeds other than dingoes usually living in association with humans.
• Wild dog: Wild-living dogs including dingoes, domestic dogs living at large, and their hybrids.

The production value of the South Australian sheep industry is valued at more than $1.5 billion. In 2018 alone, producers reported losing more than 10,000 sheep to wild dogs. Wild dogs can also impact native animal populations.

Wild dogs can be dangerous to humans, but often they are not a threat. Wild dogs present a greater risk in places where they are being intentionally fed, or in urban areas where pets and other food resources encourage closer encounters.

People may also be affected by diseases transmitted through exposure to wild dogs or their faeces.

The proposed changes will support the growth of South Australia’s sheep industry and reduce the risk of wild dog attacks. The revised policy also aims to maintain the ecological role of wild dogs and their role in Aboriginal culture, outside the Dog Fence.

The revised policy has been developed through PIRSA in consulation with the South Australian Wild Dog Advisory Group, the Department of Environment and Water, Natural Resource Management Boards and other industry and community stakeholders.

Further information can be found on the PIRSA website or by phoning 08 8303 9620.