The Breed Ban of the GSD in Australia

1928 - 1972

An article by W.D CROWLEY - reprinted from the Second Century News October 1968.

The journal of the Victorian Poultry &  Kennel Club - October, 1968 edition: For almost 40 years now the importation of German Shepherd dogs to Australia has been forbidden.

So long has this futile embargo been in operation that it has come to be accepted by most citizens, without questioning the basis for it.

This unjustified discrimination against such a noble animal should be removed and, no doubt quickly would be if the true position were brought home to a sufficient number of responsible people. Unless some positive programe is undertaken, we could drift along with the present embargo for another one or two decades. However, as our mineral resources and secondary industries develop sheep and cattle owners will have less influence on such discriminatory legislation, giving definite hope.

The ban was introduced for one purpose - "To prevent the German Shepherd going wild and mating with the Dingo, producing a wild dog capable of killing sheep". So wide spread has this panic thinking become that, in various parts of the so-called free country, legislation operates to entirely prohibit German Shepherds unless they have been sterilized (Castrated) and thus rendered incapable of reproduction. The peculiar part of all this is that over a 40 year trial period, there is not one title of evidence that German Shepherd dogs have crossed with the Dingo. this becomes even stranger when one appreciates that for much of these four decades the German Shepherd has been one of the strongest breeds of dogs numerically in Australia. Evidence is available to support the claim that certain other fairly large breeds of dogs have crossed with the Dingo. In North - Eastern Victoria large dogs claimed to be Dingo-Husky crosses  have been shot. One  whose picture I have seen is said to be 8 feet from nose to tail to tip of tail.

All dog clubs, dog fanciers and controlling bodies should ban together to remove this illogical useless ban. Concerted action based on the facts of the matter should soon gain wide support. Let us first look at the animal in question:

Who would deny that he is one of the most majestic, intelligent, faithful and brave canines in the world? How many times do we read of his efforts to protect his owner and family? How often do we go to a Show or obedience demonstration and see him well in the fore? As a guard dog for the armed services or vital section of world police forces he is unsurpassed. Although importations after a forty year ban would improve him, fanciers in Australia must be commended for their efforts to continually breed such fine specimens under adverse conditions. Despite import restrictions and high permit fees he has retained his immense popularity against all challengers.

Sheep and cattlemen all over Australia (indeed the world) depend on importations to improve their stock. In the thoroughbred horse field this principle is also accepted without challengers. It is then strange indeed to see these livestock breeders opposing the importation of German Shepherd sires certain to improve their stock. Again opponents claim that if the dogs were imported in large numbers it would drop in price, become everybody's property and strays would become a menace.

This objection is about as valid as the others. In Australia today we have probably had more imports in Pekinese, Daschunds and Boxers than other breeds. Let us examine the effect:-

1.    These importations have unquestionably improved the breeds, both temperamentally and physically

2.    The costs of the importations and the Sires fees have raised the price of puppies.

3.    Irresponsible owners are disinclined to buy puppies at this price, but those who do certainly prevent them straying.

4.    The number of importations has no effect on the numerical strength of the breed. Each breed has its fling of popularity and taper off to a solid permanent figure.

Already, there are ample facts available to clearly demonstrate the absurdity of this ban and to demand its immediate removal. However, if further assurances are necessary, these could be readily available. No great problem would be involved in having the various Australian controlling bodies and dog Clubs guaranteeing one or all of the following points:

a.    That the German Shepherd dog population of Australia be restricted to the figure existing at the 1st January 1969.

b.    That a certain quota of puppies (for example the 1967 figure) only will be bred in any one year.

c.    That, as in Germany, litters will be registered only from bitches mated to approved sires.

d.    That puppies will be sold not below a certain fixed price.

e.    That only an agreed number of dogs or bitches would be imported into Australia in any one year.

These and other regulations or conditions would lead to an improvement in the breed, prevent any sharp increase in numbers (although this is obviously unnecessary) and ensure as far as possible that the dog would not fall into the hands of indiscriminate breeders.

Finally, let all dog lovers, dog clubs and interested people put their shoulders to the wheel to effect the long overdue removal of this unjustified and harsh restriction. We believe this is a senseless ban. Let us get to work to prove it. The opposition no doubt believes it is justified so let us force their arguments out into the open.

_________________________

The Road Back, 1972

saw the lifting of the GSD import ban

The lifting of the import ban: reproduced from "A condensed History of the German Shepherd Dog in Australia - 1929 - 1990"

Although numerous individuals had tried to have the import ban lifted in both the pre- and post-World War II eras, the authorities remained firmly opposed.

Interestingly though, a small change to the import rules was made on the 21st June, 1955, which allowed "desexed Alsation Dogs" to be imported into Australia. Another interesting twist was that in 1962 the Customs Service agreed to the desexing requirements being released for Australian-bred  German Shepherd Dogs returning home, after having proven that they had been originally exported.

There seems little doubt that the establishment of the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia in 1960 and the subsequent staging of the 1st National Show in Sydney in 1967, provided the background to which enthusiasts could be motivated to mount a concerted campaign to have the Import Ban lifted.

From the records available, there seems little doubt that the German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria led the way. The GSDCV had tried two or three times in the early and mid 1960's to generate support for such a campaign but, for whatever reason, such efforts failed. During the late 1960's, the late John Fletcher succeeded in mobilising and coordinating all sections of the GSDCV to an unprecedented level of support. His efforts, although at times abrasive and emotive, captured the imagination of all and with the assistance of a paid Public Relations organization resulted in in the German Shepherd Dog cause gaining exposure on a scale never previously thought possible.

The fundraising efforts of the GSDCV during these times was extraordinary. It is fair to say that the GSDCV led the way and quickly gained support from other states, principally New South Wales and South Australia.

It is interesting to note, that the then President of the Graziers Federal Council, Dr Locke, resided in Melbourne, as did the then Minister for Customs and Excise, Mr Don Chipp. Indeed, the GSDCV spent considerable time and effort in exposing the Minister to all facets of the German Shepherd Dog via the activities of the Club.

Consequently, the efforts of the German Shepherd Dog Club and zealous individuals from all over Australia, brought to the attention of the politicians, bureaucrats generally and particular department officers that the import ban was based on false, illogical and emotive grounds and was thus totally discriminatory. Unfortunately, little of this material is currently available. The following report (nb: please read  "A condensed History of the German Shepherd Dog in Australia - 1929 - 1990" for this information) from the GSDCV is reprinted as evidence of the type of activity being promoted. Also, the GSDCA itself was active as evidenced by the following letters (nb: please read  "A condensed History of the German Shepherd Dog in Australia - 1929 - 1990" for this information) which outline a possible legal solution to the problem.

However, politics being what it is, the then Minister for Customs and Excise, Mr Don Chipp, in addition to the forceful moral support mentioned above, required a sound, logical and scientific evaluation of the benefits of introducing new German Shepherd Dog blood into the country. For various reasons, this report was required to be produced in its entirety in nine days, to enable the Minister to have it analysed and processed through various government departments, as well as the Graziers Council, the Liberal and National parties and finally the Federal Cabinet, for approval prior to Parliament being dissolved for the historic 1972 Federal election.

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