Environment Minister Andrew Powell has backed a departmental decision to destroy K’gari dingoes found near the body of Canadian visitor and resort worker, Piper James, despite a preliminary finding that dingoes probably did not cause her death.
“This tragedy has deeply affected Queenslanders and touched the hearts of people around the world,“ Mr Powell said.
“I have been kept briefed by my Department (which) has made the decision that all dingoes involved in the incident will be removed and humanely euthanised.
“This is a tough decision but I believe it’s the right call in the public interest,“ he said.
“K’gari Fraser Island remains open, and we are supporting our tourism operators as they continue to showcase the Fraser Coast as an incredible place to visit,“ he said.
An Environment Department spokesperson said the department was “aware of the initial findings of Piper James’ autopsy.“
“Rangers have closely monitored the pack involved in the incident and have observed some aggressive behaviour.
“Following the initial autopsy findings, this pack’s involvement in the incident, and observations since, this pack has been deemed an unacceptable public safety risk.
“Dingoes ngoes involved in (the) incident will be humanely euthanised.
“Public safety is our top priority, and this decision is informed and in the public interest,“ an official statement said.
The coroner’s preliminary report said fluid found in Ms James’ lungs could have caused the death and most dingo bites were post mortem, although some, unlikely to have been fatal, had occurred while she was still alive.
