Taking the “significant step” of euthanising a dingo is a decision for K'gari’s rangers and traditional owners as investigations into the latest attack continue.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard will arrive on the Queensland island, formerly known as Fraser Island, on Wednesday after at least three of the animals attacked a woman jogging on the beach.
The dingoes chased the 24-year-old into the water at Orchid Beach on Monday before two men in a four-wheel-drive rushed to her aid. She was taken to hospital with numerous bites.
Ms. Linard confirmed at least one of the dingoes involved had been identified.
The “significant step” to euthanise an animal is considered an option of last resort, and the decision will be made by rangers and traditional owners, the Butchulla people.
“There are absolutely protocols in regard to how rangers, in conjunction with traditional owners, consider whether a dingo is at a point where they feel that sort of aggressive behaviour is inherent,” Ms. Linard told reporters.
“Some of these dingoes we have to remember are young. When they get to the age of two, my understanding from the rangers is they are not necessarily going to continue to exhibit that adolescent behaviour which can be a little bit more aggressive.”
One dingo was humanly euthanised in June after a string of incidents earlier this year.
Ms. Linard said it was the only occasion that such a move has been taken by the rangers since 2019.
“Euthanising a high-risk dingo is a last resort, but this decision is in line with the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy and part of QPWS’s (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone who visits or lives on the island,” the environment department said at the time.
The minister was advised the animals’ behaviour in Monday’s attack was not considered abnormal but said it was concerning they weren’t frightened away.
Advice to visitors includes not running when approached by a dingo because they can become “quite excitable”.
The management of dingoes on the island, communication with visitors and if anything needs to be done differently will also be discussed on Wednesday.
