Wild dog

A wild dog is defined as a dingo (Canis lupus dingo) and a dog (Canis lupus familiaris), other than a domestic dog. 

Wild dogs are restricted invasive animals under the Biosecurity Act. They must not be moved, kept, fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit.

Since European settlement, domestic dogs have escaped or been released into the environment. A wild dog is usually born in the wild­ or may be a domestic dog that has been abandoned or released and forced to live in a wild state.

Where they live

Wild dogs are found in a variety of habitats in the rural and peri-urban areas of the Sunshine Coast. They often use roads, creeks and fence lines to travel between different areas.

Problems caused by wild dogs

Wild dogs are serious threat to livestock, native animals and domestic pets. They threaten biodiversity and have the potential to spread diseases which could impact human health.

Protecting against wild dogs

Under the Biosecurity Act all Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation to manage wild dogs on their land.

To get help to protect your place from wild dogs or to learn about council's wild dog control programs, visit the managing invasive animals web pages.

Further information

For more information on wild dogs:

• download the Wild dog control fact sheet (PDF, 954KB)
• visit the Biosecurity Queensland website
• watch the Wild Dogs: Animal Ethics vs Welfare & Wild Dog DNA Research webinar video.