A dingo reportedly “responsible for a string of high risk incidents” on K’gari has been euthanized.
The Department of Environment and Science published a media release on Saturday June 10, claiming the decision was “difficult.”
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The decision follows a series of “serious incidents” which included the biting of a 7-year-old boy on June 1, and the biting of a 42-year-old woman on June 4.
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The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service worked with the Traditional Owners of K’gari to come to the decision.
They also discussed alternative management options.
In their press release the DES said the decision to euthanise is always a last resort, but the choice was made in line with dingo management strategies and safety concerns.
“The dingo’s history presented a concerning pattern of negative interactions towards people with a series of threatening and high-risk interactions recorded including five high risk interactions,” the press release said.
“Dingoes that lose their natural wariness of people and become habituated may become aggressive while seeking food.”
Residents and future visitors to the island are encouraged to ‘Be Dingo-Safe’ at all times and to report any negative encounters to rangers.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to practise the following:
Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers.
Always walk in groups.
Camp in fenced areas where possible.
Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction.
Never feed dingoes.
Lock up food stores and ice boxes (even on a boat).
Never store food or food containers in tents.
Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
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