Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd

Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd We are a registered charity and non-profit organisation devoted to rescuing orphan dingo pups who have lost their parents to 1080 trapping and shooting.

Our mission is to provide nurturing enviroment vet care rehabilitation &finding the appropiate home Highlands Dingo Rescue is owned and operated by the Founders of Desert Dingo Rescue, WA (a specialist wild-born orphanage; dingo rescue service). At Highland's Dingo Rescue, we're raising funds and promoting initiatives to give orphaned dingo cubs a second chance at life. With the help of foster car

ers in Western Australia, we are still operating our rescue service (Desert Dingo Rescue) in the Pilbara, WA. We have branched out to Tenterfield NSW (far northern parts of NSW and close to the QLD border) on our 5-acre property. We believe in taking action with urgency to raise public awareness about some of the most pressing issues facing the plight of our dingo. Highland's Dingo Rescue knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by but, most importantly, through the actions of our initiatives. Our Dingo Rescue Services realised we could overcome the challenges more efficiently by working together. That is why we ultimately launched another much-needed specialised wild-born orphanage; Dingo Rescue Service in NSW. Highland's Dingo Rescue will be operated in the same manner as Desert Dingo Rescue and is dedicated to saving the lives of orphan wild-born cubs in NSW and other areas. Our purpose is to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Re-Home orphaned dingo cubs that have lost their parents and family group to 1080 baiting, trapped or shot under Government legislation. Dingo Rescue Orphanage
Reinforcing our Commitment
With our purpose and mission in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Rescuing orphaned dingo cubs is something we take very seriously. We are working each and everyday day to make a positive impact. We aim to remain manageable, taking in the orphans from the wild throughout NSW (and other areas). We believe a second chance at life should be "quality" (of life). Our Purpose
Our aims and purpose for Highland's Dingo Rescue are to continue rescuing orphan cubs in NSW. Give the little orphans a second chance at life by placing them with dingo-loving families. Prevent them from being euthanised and winding up in large animal shelters never given an opportunity of a loving home with no quality of life. We believe dingoes can be successfully homed with the correct people who understand dingo nature. Keeping our rescue service manageable allows us more time to spend with the cubs, focusing on the more essential rehabilitation issues.

DingoFest was an incredible success! It was a well-deserved celebration for the dingo, bringing together leading filmmak...
31/08/2026

DingoFest was an incredible success! It was a well-deserved celebration for the dingo, bringing together leading filmmakers, advocates, scientists, authors, and passionate supporters. A huge shoutout to Mel Browning from Australian Dingo Foundation (ADF) for organising such a fantastic event!

Thank you to Harry Vincent for your outstanding documentary, “On The Fence” it truly resonated with everyone. Brad Smith's book launch for "Canis Dingo" was a hit, selling out during the first session!

I felt honoured to be part of the expert panel, sharing a deeply moving story about a dingo family group we’ve been studying in the wild for two years. Exciting developments are on the horizon!

Kylie’s Cairns, Euan Ritchie, Brad Smith, Kelly- Ann Blake and Lyn Watson delivered insightful presentations about dingoes. One question from the audience to the panel really stood out for me “What can we do to help?” Kylie’s response was brilliant: “Stop calling dingoes wild dogs.”

The show couldn’t have gone so well without the wonderful work of MC Paddy MacDonald. His energy and enthusiasm truly elevated the event!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended both sold-out sessions and made this day possible. It was also great to see long-standing advocate Jen Parker, although the day was so busy I didn’t get a chance to catch up with her. Special mention to Gale Day, a rock-solid volunteer for ADF, whose dedication is truly inspiring.

Nothing can dampen my spirit from DingoFest! It was an unforgettable experience, and being part of such a welcoming team truly felt like family. I’m still riding that natural high!

A heartfelt thank you to Lyn Watson for graciously hosting me. Leaving was bittersweet; your home embodies the wonderful community for dingoes you and Peter have built over the years. Staying with you and the incredible guests, Kylie Cairns, Harry Vincent and Sophie, Kerry Goodchild, Brad Smith, Leesh Martion and Dwayne, Mel Browning, Andie, and Gale Day made me feel like a valued member of the team. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, good food, wine, and a shared love for dingoes that united us all.

Catching up with and Jerry from Perth Dingo Rescue Ltd.!was especially rewarding and close to my heart. I made the long journey back home from Victoria yesterday.

I also want to apologise to everyone who reached out to HDR over the last four days. I will get to your inquiries, I’ve been jam-packed with DingoFest as you could imagine! Thank you for your patience!

The Heartbreak of Orphaned DingoesI want to take a moment to remember the brave dingo parents whose tragic stories often...
26/08/2026

The Heartbreak of Orphaned Dingoes

I want to take a moment to remember the brave dingo parents whose tragic stories often involve dying for their pups under a government-sanctioned killing program. Their sacrifices weigh heavily on my heart, their young left to fend for themselves. I often write about the trauma pups witness when their parents are killed and I find myself writing about them frequently. However, the vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and exhaustion from being on the front line of orphan dingo pup rescue sometimes hold me back from sharing these experiences. It's truly heart-wrenching, pups are so traumatised they shut down, I know I must stay strong for these vulnerable babies.

It is incredibly disheartening to read a comment from someone who dismissed my work as mere imagination, but my observations are absolutely backed by modern animal behavioral science.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a recognised condition in animals, particularly in highly intelligent, social apex predators like dingoes. Government lethal control programs, such as aerial baiting with 1080 poison, trapping, and shooting, are inherently violent and destabilising to family group structures, leaving deep psychological scars on the survivors.

The Science of Trauma in Animals

Canine PTSD is real: Organisations like the U.S. Military Working Dog Regiment formally recognise and treat PTSD in dogs exposed to combat, which directly mirrors my comparison to "dogs of war."

Apex predator intelligence. Dingoes have highly evolved brains with complex social structures and deep emotional capacities. They experience grief, terror, and chronic anxiety just like primates or humans do.

Epigenetic trauma. Studies in mammals show that extreme stress and trauma can alter gene expression, meaning the trauma of persecution can actually be passed down biologically from mother to pup.

I have dedicated years to studying the effects of Complex PTSD on orphaned dingo pups exposed to this trauma, rescuing 102 orphan dingo pups along the way. These pups endure what can only be described as Canine PTSD, particularly from witnessing the horrific deaths of their parents. The trauma they experience from seeing their mothers and fathers succumb to violence is profound and lasting. Recently, I received a particularly insensitive comment on my last post, where someone claimed that the trauma these pups suffer is merely a figment of my imagination. 😡 He even stated he wouldn't be donating to our cause.

I've seen mother dingoes who, after being poisoned, somehow make it back to their dens to care for their babies, only to succumb to a painful death. Their sole focus is the safety of their young.

The cruelty happening in our country is absolutely heartbreaking. We receive pups in our care with blunt force trauma to their heads, and the injuries some of them bear are clearly deliberate.

As I work tirelessly to raise awareness about the trauma, including the horrifying experience of witnessing their parents’ deaths, let's bring attention to these precious lives that need our support. Thank you for standing with me in this crucial mission. 💜

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to our orphaned pups this puppy season. I apologi...
25/08/2026

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to our orphaned pups this puppy season. I apologise for the delay in expressing my gratitude, your support means the world to us.

We've received an overwhelming response in the comments from those interested in adopting a pup. Once the pups have completed their vet work and received clearance, we'll be posting updates on their availability for adoption.

To give you some context, the dingo pups we care for are wild-born orphans. Dingoes breed only once a year, from March to June, with pups being born between June and August. Unfortunately, this time of year is particularly challenging for dingoes, as many are targeted through government-sanctioned methods like 1080 poison, trapping, and shooting, leaving their young behind to struggle for survival. It’s a heartbreaking time of year for us, knowing these pups have been deliberately orphaned. This frontline work exposes us to the trauma these pups endure, after pups having witnessed the brutal killing of their parents.

In the meantime, the pups have been enjoying some big runs and playtime in the large exercise enclosure, where they've had plenty of opportunities to explore get those little legs running and moving. This time spent playing is crucial for their development and helps them gain confidence. They have settled in extremely well.

If you're interested in adopting one of our pups, please reach out via email to Machelle at [email protected]. Thank you again for your support!

Meet Clancy, Zuri, Alice, and Breeze! (2 males 2 females. We’re thrilled to introduce our litter of four orphaned dingo ...
22/08/2026

Meet Clancy, Zuri, Alice, and Breeze! (2 males 2 females. We’re thrilled to introduce our litter of four orphaned dingo pups, who were found in poor condition and covered in ticks in Southern Queensland by a member of the public.

These bush babies have been receiving excellent care from RSPCA Toowoomba, who reached out to us for their rescue. Over the past week, we've been working closely with them to ensure all the necessary paperwork is in place to legally bring the pups across the border into NSW.

On Friday, we made the journey to Toowoomba to bring these little ones into our care. It was a pleasure working with RSPCA Toowoomba, and we’re happy to report that all the pups have received their first vaccinations, along with worming and flea/tick treatments.

A huge thank you to RSPCA Toowoomba for recognising that these pups are indeed dingoes, for taking excellent care of them and for placing them in the appropriate sanctuary for their future! This will put us at capacity and keep us busy! Banjo and Miro are doing well, and we’ll do an update post soon.

We would greatly appreciate your support. If you’d like to help us with funding for their ongoing vet care, you can donate towards Clancy, Zuri, Alice, and Breeze’s care here at HDR. Thank you for your generosity!

Bank: Regional Australia Bank
Account Name Highlands Dingo Rescue Limited
BSB: 932000
Account number: 788766S3

PayPal link in comments

Wonderful news. Yanni has been adopted! She left us last Wednesday and has quickly settled in with her experienced guard...
17/08/2026

Wonderful news. Yanni has been adopted! She left us last Wednesday and has quickly settled in with her experienced guardian. She even has a male dingo companion, who is also a rescue orphan from us, and he welcomed her on her very first day!

We couldn't be happier for her and wish her all the best on this exciting new journey. Although we will miss her, we're thrilled that we’ll get to see her on a regular basis!

Exciting news: Daku has found his forever home! He'll be heading to his new family this Wednesday.Daku is all set to sta...
17/08/2026

Exciting news: Daku has found his forever home! He'll be heading to his new family this Wednesday.

Daku is all set to start this new chapter with experienced dingo guardians, and he'll have a female dingo companion to share his life with.

We wish him all the best on this new journey and will miss him dearly! 💜

We also have so much to catch up on with updates about Yanni and Miro, exciting news is coming your way!

Update on Banjo We're thrilled to share that our newest little orphan dingo pup, Banjo, has settled in incredibly well, ...
16/08/2026

Update on Banjo

We're thrilled to share that our newest little orphan dingo pup, Banjo, has settled in incredibly well, it's as if he's always been part of the HDR family! He’s running around like he owns the place, bringing so much joy to everyone here. 🤭

This tiny fella is full of character and is super friendly with everyone he meets!

A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Poppy and Willow, who gave Banjo his first bath at Highlands Dingo Rescue. They treated his mange rash with a maleseb wash, and he’s feeling much better with all those pestle mites gone.

We’ll be scheduling his vet check today to ensure he’s in great health.

Stay tuned for more updates on Banjo's journey!

Introducing Banjo, our newest little orphan pup!Banjo arrived in our care today thanks to wonderful volunteers Peter Man...
14/08/2026

Introducing Banjo, our newest little orphan pup!

Banjo arrived in our care today thanks to wonderful volunteers Peter Mansbride and Patrick Laher once again for transporting Banjo to HDR safely.

Banjo was discovered by a cattle farmer, Matt, who found him surrounded by his cattle, licking him. Unfortunately, he was in poor condition and covered in ticks and fleas. Over the past week, Matt has been caring for him, providing food and removing as many ticks as he could. Huge thanks to Matt and his family for taking good care of him and reaching out to us for rescue.

Since arriving here at HDR, he has been enjoying puppy recovery food, along with Divetalac milk, showing a great appetite! Banjo currently weighs 1.9 kg and is approximately 5 weeks old, only a tiny little pup.

We’re treating him for mange and keeping him in isolation for now. He’s received medication to eliminate the mange mites and we will follow up with Maleseb bath to help with the typical Sarcoptic mange rash. We'll get him to the vet asap to address those nasty tick bites.

If you’d like to donate towards Banjo’s care here at HDR, that would be great! He needs ongoing treatment for mange, as well as treatment for the tick bites to prevent infection, vaccinations, a microchip, worming, and desexing before adoption. These costs add up quickly, so any donation would be greatly appreciated. Details for donation below.

Despite everything, Banjo has a delightful personality and is incredibly friendly—definitely a little character who lights up the room!

Bank Transfer:
Regional Australia Bank
Account Name: Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd
BSB 932 000
Account Number 788766

PayPal link in comments

Dingo Pups: A Season of Exploration in the WildAs we enter the heart of dingo puppy season, excitement fills the air. Di...
12/08/2026

Dingo Pups: A Season of Exploration in the Wild

As we enter the heart of dingo puppy season, excitement fills the air. Dingo pups are either already born or on the verge of making their grand entrance into the world. This time of year marks a significant transition for these young pups, as they begin to venture out of their dens and explore their surroundings.

Understanding Dingo Pups
It's crucial to remember that dingo pups are not "dumped" or abandoned dogs. They often appear to be alone, wandering about, but this is a natural part of their development. In the wild, dingoes are known for their strong family units. While the adult dingoes hunt and patrol their territory, which can sometimes take them away for days, older siblings often stay behind to watch over the younger pups. The dynamics of care depend on the number of family members involved in raising the pups, emphasizing the importance of community in their upbringing.

A Cautionary Note
One of the biggest misconceptions about wild dingoes is that they are easily visible. In reality, these animals are elusive and highly vigilant. Adult dingoes can be present nearby, ensuring the safety of their young, without us even realising it. This is why it’s critical for anyone who encounters a seemingly abandoned dingo pup/pups to refrain from intervening immediately.

The Risks of Human Intervention
Too often, well-meaning individuals take pups from the wild without considering the consequences. This can disrupt the delicate balance of their natural environment weakening future gene pools. Before deciding to intervene, it’s essential to contact organisations experienced in monitoring dingo dens. We have many years of experience in this area and can provide valuable advice if you're unsure whether the pups need assistance.

Remember
🔹Dingo pups are naturally curious and will explore outside their dens as part of their development.
🔹They are part of a family unit, with older siblings often caring for them while adults are away hunting.
🔹Adult dingoes can be nearby, providing care and protection without being visible.
🔹Always consult experienced dingo organisations before attempting to intervene with dingo pups.

By understanding and respecting the natural behaviours of dingo pups, we can ensure they thrive in their wild habitat and play their role as an apex predator vital for healthy ecosystem that we all enjoy.

Just to make it clear for those that REFUSE to accept our request to engage respectfully on our page. Respect is a two w...
09/08/2026

Just to make it clear for those that REFUSE to accept our request to engage respectfully on our page. Respect is a two way street and we have a right to feel safe

Our page is dedicated solely to the RESCUE and welfare of dingoes. Unfortunately, some individuals have chosen to respond to our posts with hostility rather than understanding our mission. Social media can sometimes be a platform for those who hide behind their keyboards, and it's disappointing to witness such cowardly behaviour.

We are aware of all the challenges landholders face in raising stock, along with the issues of predation. However, we strive to create a *safe platform* for our supporters, our admins and ourselves, and we will not tolerate hostile or abusive behaviour. It’s gobsmacking how many people continued the harassment despite our call for respect in our last post. If you want to engage in arguments and behave barbarically, we encourage you to start your own page, this page is not about livestock or farming. Despite our attempts to communicate with farmers in the past, those discussions just became hostile and abusive, so it’s not as though we haven’t tried.

WARNING
We will REPORT all abuse to Facebook, and any threats to cause physical harm will be reported to the POLICE. Our focus remains on RESCUE, education and advocating for these incredible animals, and we will continue our work providing support and care for dingoes in need. For those who share our passion for dingo conservation, we appreciate your support.

Image: Yanni HDR

Address

Tenterfield, NSW
2372

Telephone

+61409545389

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