The Queensland Government’s culling of K’Gari dingoes was a “significant step towards the extinction of dingoes on K’gari,“ according to a statement from Humane World for Animals Australia (formerly Humane Society International).
The Australia Day long weekend killings were announced in a media release (from Environment Minister Andrew Powell) on Sunday, HWAA program manager wildlife, Dr Renae Charalambous said on Monday.
She called for a “move away from killing as the default response to wildlife conflicts.
“Knee-jerk killing events are not a sustainable solution to complex wildlife challenges.
“This killing of (the) dingoes is a blow to the genetic health of the island’s small and genetically isolated dingo population. Every animal unnecessarily killed is a significant step toward the extinction of the dingoes on K’gari.
“We’re urging the Queensland Government to put an end to these destructive practices and instead invest in more effective strategies like enhanced public and tourist education, to better manage the risks when holidaying in wild animal habitats, including K’gari.”
“The six dingoes killed (on the weekend) are the latest in a long history of persecution of the species on K’gari – despite the island’s cultural and ecological significance and the 5000 year-long coexistence of the Butchulla people and dingoes on the island.
“Minister Andrew Powell said he supported the decision of rangers to kill the dingoes despite a lack of consultation with the area’s Traditional Owners and despite the wishes of Ms James’ parents who have stated to media that a culling of dingoes is the ’last thing Piper would want”.
