24/5/04
Dingoes kept as pets will soon be covered by Western Australia's Dog Act.
People throughout the State will have to register them, as do owners of other dogs.
Local Government Minister Tom Stephens said pet dingoes would have to wear a collar and a current licence tag and would be subject to laws covering dangerous and nuisance dogs.
"This change recognises the reality that dingoes and their hybrids are kept as pets throughout the State - from remote communities in the Western Desert to Perth's prestigious beachside suburbs," Mr Stephens said.
"It will simply mean that their owners will have the same rights and responsibilities as owners of other dogs.
"The amendment will remove any ambiguity about the ability of local governments to manage pet dingoes in the same way as they do other pet dogs within their communities.
"At the same time, the change will not impede the management of wild dingoes.
"People wishing to own a dingo will also continue to be required to license it under the Wildlife Conservation Act."
Mr Stephens said the definition of dog in Western Australia's Dog Act would be amended to include all dingoes (genus lupus dingo) as well as domestic dogs (genus canis familiaris), and all hybrid dogs derived from these two species.
Dingoes could already be registered and kept as pets in NSW and the Northern Territory and also, with special permits, in Victoria and the ACT.
"It is also pleasing to be able to provide this recognition of the dingoes very long history of domestication in Australia," the Minister said.
"In its way, it is a small step on the reconciliation path."
Minister's office: 9213 6500
