Community
16 January, 2025
Spare the dingoes
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to try to stop drastic measures such as culling young dingoes in Port Douglas.
Recent reports of young dingoes stalking people and small dogs in the town has resulted in local animal activist groups, such as Paws and Claws, raising the alarm, as well as a petition launched by animal lover Rosie Wang.
Homeless Animal Society and Boarding Kennels treasurer Pauline Halsall said this had raised “alarms about safety and the well-being of both the community and the dingoes themselves”.
“As these iconic creatures are an integral part of the region’s natural heritage, experts warn that misunderstandings and inappropriate interactions can lead to dangerous situations,” she said.
“Local residents are now increasingly calling for the council to take proactive measures to address the situation rather than just reactive measures such as euthanasia for these animals.”
Some community members are advocating for an educational initiative aimed at fostering a better understanding of dingoes to assist in preventing these issues in the future.
“They propose the installation of informative signs and the distribution of flyers throughout the region, which would provide essential safety tips and guidelines for coexisting with these natural wild animals,” said Ms Halsall.
“Education is key to ensuring the safety of our community while also protecting the dingoes.
“By informing people about how to respond to dingo encounters and encouraging responsible behaviour, we can help prevent future conflicts and promote a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.
“The proposed educational resources would,\ not only raise awareness, but also empower residents and visitors with the knowledge needed to navigate encounters with dingoes safely. This initiative aims to create a more informed community that respects and understands the importance of our wildlife in the region.”
Ms Halsall also took a swipe at backpackers staying in the Port Douglas sports complex area where the dingoes have been seen.
“These campers have been leaving food scraps in this area also encouraging these animals to remain in this area and connect humans to a food source,” she said.
“As Port Douglas continues to attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, the call for action will grow louder. We hope that the council will respond promptly to these concerns, ensuring the safety of residents while preserving the unique wildlife that makes Port Douglas a special place to live and visit.”
A Douglas Shire Council spokesman said temporary warning signs had been installed at the Port Douglas sports complex and permanent education signs would be erected as well.
“Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit (the) council’s website to learn about how to be dingo-safe, Queensland laws and regulations, and community responsibility when it comes to dingoes,” he said.
An Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department spokesman said “this isn’t something our department can comment on, as we only manage dingoes on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)”.
“Dingoes on the mainland are considered wild dogs and don’t come under our management responsibility,” he said.
A petition in support of the dingoes has been launched by Ms Wang. It has garnished 1241signatures.
“One of the joys of living in this beautiful part of the world is the richness of its wildlife, flora and fauna,” she said.
“While some species, like crocodiles, snakes, and sharks, may capture more attention due to media and film dramatisation, others, like dingoes, are unfairly misunderstood.
“The two dingoes currently in Port Douglas have brought joy to many locals, including myself. During one encounter, I shooed them off a bend in the road to prevent them from being hit by a car.
“They observed me with curiosity before retreating into the undergrowth – hardly the ‘vicious baby-hunting dogs’ popularised by outdated stereotypes.
“Dingo attacks in Australia are exceedingly rare and often linked to human negligence, such as ignoring ‘do not feed’ signs, particularly on K’gari (Fraser Island).”
View council’s wild dog action plan at https://bit.ly/3Pt0ihU
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