RSPCA Supports the Starving of Fraser Island Dingoes!

Fraser Island Dingoes 4/4/10

The RSPCA says it does not believe feeding stations for dingoes on Fraser Island, off south-east Queensland, are a viable option. Dingo preservation groups and the Queensland Opposition says some dingoes are malnourished and a pup died last week from starvation. The Opposition wants the State Government to set up feeding stations but Sustainability Minister Kate Jones says it is inappropriate because dingoes are wild animals. RSPCA spokeswoman Tracey Jackson says the stations can have several effects. "We know that in past years when dingoes have been fed artificially - and that is not sourcing their food from wildlife on the island - we have had huge population explosions," she said. "Once the numbers or the populations increase, the chances of interaction with humans increases obviously. So there are all sorts of implications for things like feeding stations."

Ms Jackson says wild dogs should be lean and there is no evidence of starvation. The RSPCA says it plays a vital role in the management of dingoes on Fraser Island. She says the RSPCA works with government agencies and they are satisfied the State Government's strategy is working. "Whilst we do work with DERM [the Department of Environment and Resource Management[ and QPWS [Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service] it doesn't mean that we don't have our differences," she said. "But what it does mean is that we have a positive working relationship and that's definitely the best thing for the dingo, especially the dingoes on Fraser Island." *ABC