Man fined for feeding dingo on K’gari

Issued: 19 Mar 2021

A Sunshine Coast man has received a fine totalling more than $2000 for feeding a dingo while visiting K’gari (Fraser Island) this month.

On Monday (March 15), rangers observed two young dingoes (sub-adults, not pups) approach a man fishing in front of the Orchid Beach township.

Rangers then observed the man, who is a regular visitor to Orchard Beach, retrieve a fish frame from the rear of his vehicle and throw it towards one of the dingoes.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) takes these matters extremely seriously seriously.

QPWS rangers have zero tolerance for people who intentionally feed or interfere with dingoes and will hold offenders accountable.

Visitors and residents on K’gari are reminded that QPWS rangers don’t have to be present for a person to be fined for dingo offences.

Tour group operators and members of the public regularly provide information, including photos and videos, to QPWS rangers.

Dingoes on K’gari are not starving and they have access to plenty of natural food.

Anyone who breaks the law by deliberately feeding or interacting with dingoes or who fails to secure their food and rubbish can expect a fine or to appear in court.

People who feed and interact with dingoes put themselves and other people in danger, as it increases the risk of dingo habituation (dingoes tolerating humans at relatively close range).

People are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerning dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger or phone 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.

For more information go to About Fraser Island dingoes.