Wongari offence investigation

Issued: 3 Dec 2021

Image of a man holding a wongari pup on K’gari. He is being investigated as it is unlawful to interact with wongari – hefty fines apply.

A man is being investigated for allegedly holding a wongari pup on K’gari.

Image of a man holding a wongari pup on K’gari. He is being investigated as it is unlawful to interact with wongari – hefty fines apply.

It is unlawful to interact with wongari – hefty fines apply.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is investigating an alleged wongari (dingo) offence on K’gari (Fraser Island).

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) received information that a Sunshine Coast person had allegedly interacted with a wongari pup by catching it and holding it.

People are reminded it is unlawful to deliberately interact with wongari on K’gari. This includes enticing them for selfies or close-up photographs.

It is also unlawful to deliberately or inadvertently feed wongari, and hefty fines apply.

The minimum penalty for deliberately feeding or interfering with wongari on K’gari is a $2205 on-the-spot fine, while the maximum penalty is $11,028.

Interacting with wongari or deliberate or inadvertently feeding wongari can lead them to becoming habituated. Habituated wongari may approach people for food, placing people and wongari in danger.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the department on 1300 130 372.