An autopsy has revealed a dingo pup that died on Fraser Island, off south-east Queensland, was hit by a car and did not starve. The post-mortem examination report shows the 10-month-old male pup weighed 15 kilograms and was not emaciated. The dingo suffered multiple injuries, including a skull fracture. Queensland Sustainability Minister Kate Jones the autopsy disproves claims by the Opposition Liberal National Party (LNP) that the pup was malnourished. Ms Jones also says the dingo was overweight for its age. "LNP calls to allow humans to feed dingoes and visitors to feed dingoes will only lead to more dingo-human interaction, which will lead to dingo attacks," she said. "Since our dingo management strategy has been in place, no-one has died from dingo attacks on the island." *ABC
Ed Comment; We would have thought that a small dingo hit by a vehicle would have obvious signs of injury.....I guess it depends on who does the autopsy.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Media Release Fraser Island Dingoes 2/5/10
The song ‘Dingoes Don’t Bark’ by Badtjala Wangari was officially launched in Noosa this week, and proudly supported by Glen Elmes, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, local Noosa MP. The CD is a culmination of 6 months work and totally funded through community-supported programs such as: e-bay auction of an original Jennifer Parkhurst painting (many thanks to the proud purchasers, AW & AO), sales of t-shirts designed and printed by Deb Richards, donations from ‘SFID Inc (Save Fraser Island Dingoes)’, donation of funding for recording studio by GBC, and donation of time by band members. (Left to right in photos: Cathy Tapper – lead singer, Erana Tapper, Pania Tapper, Deb Richards, Robin Wells (songwriter), Jennifer Parkhurst, and foreground Hayden Richards.)The CD will be available for purchase on face book: Save Fraser Island Dingoes; the new website: http://savefraserislanddingoes.x10.mx/Start.html Note that this is new website, and we had trouble accessing it. If so, try http://www.savefraserislanddingoes.x10.mx/Welcome.html
All proceeds go directly towards promoting, funding and assisting independent dingo research on Fraser Island, particularly in the areas of non intrusive observations of family groups, pack social structure, regular census of animals, and regular census of food supply. We are currently recruiting organisations and individuals with the necessary skills and abilities to further this goal. Funds raised from the CD will also assist with education programs where possible to ensure protection and harmonious relationship between dingoes and their environment, which not only includes their natural environment, but also incorporates their inevitable interactions with residents, tour operators, tourists, and other stakeholders on the Island. We encourage and promote open dialogue between the government and all stakeholders to ensure that the dingo maintains its status on the Island as an important and ongoing part of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and remains an integral part of the world heritage listed status of the Island that it enjoyed at the time of the original listing. To contact for interviews or info: Glen Elmes: (07) 5449 8988 Robin Wells: (07) 5474 5045 Debbra Richards: 0448 744 267 Cathy Tapper: 0428 161 622Jennifer Parkhurst: 0428 281 967 m Karin Kilpatrick: (secretary SFID): 0407 842 988 If you have the time, please also visit our petition and sign it with your comment: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-our-dingo
PS PLease dont forget the Fraser Island Dingo Rally on May 15th in Brisbane. More details soon!
All proceeds go directly towards promoting, funding and assisting independent dingo research on Fraser Island, particularly in the areas of non intrusive observations of family groups, pack social structure, regular census of animals, and regular census of food supply. We are currently recruiting organisations and individuals with the necessary skills and abilities to further this goal. Funds raised from the CD will also assist with education programs where possible to ensure protection and harmonious relationship between dingoes and their environment, which not only includes their natural environment, but also incorporates their inevitable interactions with residents, tour operators, tourists, and other stakeholders on the Island. We encourage and promote open dialogue between the government and all stakeholders to ensure that the dingo maintains its status on the Island as an important and ongoing part of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and remains an integral part of the world heritage listed status of the Island that it enjoyed at the time of the original listing. To contact for interviews or info: Glen Elmes: (07) 5449 8988 Robin Wells: (07) 5474 5045 Debbra Richards: 0448 744 267 Cathy Tapper: 0428 161 622Jennifer Parkhurst: 0428 281 967 m Karin Kilpatrick: (secretary SFID): 0407 842 988 If you have the time, please also visit our petition and sign it with your comment: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-our-dingo
PS PLease dont forget the Fraser Island Dingo Rally on May 15th in Brisbane. More details soon!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fraser Island Dingoes 3/3/10
Last week Wildlife Bytes ran the story about Jennifer Parkhurst, the photographer who had her house invaded by DERM thugs early one morning last year. Jennifer now faces a maximum two years' jail or up to a $300,000 fine under the Nature Conservation Act and Recreation Area Management Act, for allegedly interfering with the Fraser Island dingoes. The real reasons for the raid were that, like many others, Jennifer has been highly critical of the Fraser Island dingo mis-management strategies, and in doing so she has upset the Queensland Government! Anyway, a rally or two are being planned, and a Fund has been set up to help Jennifer and the dingoes. People can contribute to the fund at Westpac Bank, Pialba, Hervey Bay. Save Fraser Island Dingoes Inc. BSB 034-136 Acct No. 303196.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Domestic Dog loose on Fraser Island. 30/12/09
Wildlife authorities fear an escaped cattle dog could spread a potentially deadly disease through Fraser Island's dingo population. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) says the cattle dog has not been sighted since escaping on Saturday from its home in Eurong, on the south of the island. Regional manager Rob Allan told AAP the escapee had been brought to the township illegally because domestic dogs are banned from the World Heritage-listed island. The QPWS said it was not searching for the dog because it could be anywhere. The Fraser Island Association says that in order to escape the dog would have had to breach a dingo fence surrounding the township. The association's president David Anderson said the fence was supposed to be electrified, but was ineffectual because it had been covered in sand for two months.
"The concern is, domestic animals can carry diseases and transmit them to dingoes that they come in contact with and the dingoes don't necessarily have immunity or resistance," Mr Anderson told AAP. "Potentially it is an ecological disaster. "It could wipe out or at least decimate the population of dingoes if there was a disease the dog was carrying." In the late 1970s, parvovirus spread by domestic dogs had a devastating impact on the island's dingo population. The virus can kill dogs and dingoes through gastrointestinal tract damage and dehydration. *9News
"The concern is, domestic animals can carry diseases and transmit them to dingoes that they come in contact with and the dingoes don't necessarily have immunity or resistance," Mr Anderson told AAP. "Potentially it is an ecological disaster. "It could wipe out or at least decimate the population of dingoes if there was a disease the dog was carrying." In the late 1970s, parvovirus spread by domestic dogs had a devastating impact on the island's dingo population. The virus can kill dogs and dingoes through gastrointestinal tract damage and dehydration. *9News
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Fraser Island Dingoes close camping areas
Authorities have closed two beach campsites on Queensland's Fraser Island because of a threat posed by two packs of aggressive dingoes. The Department of Environment and Resource Management closed off One Tree Rocks and Cornwells campsites on the southern end of the popular tourist destination. DERM spokesman Terry Harper said rangers were closely monitoring several dingoes that had been behaving aggressively toward people. "There have been two groups of juvenile dingoes seen circling and entering these two campsites near Lake Wabby over the past few weeks," Mr Harper said in a statement. "We believe they present an unacceptable risk to visitor safety at this location." The sites can accommodate up to 200 people. Mr Harper said affected campers had been notified and told they could be accommodated at other sites on the island. People caught feeding or making food available to dingoes face penalties of up to $4000. *Brisbane Times
Ed Comment, perhaps now they might admit they got the dingo management wrong......
Ed Comment, perhaps now they might admit they got the dingo management wrong......
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Fraser Island Dingoes 18/12/09
Dingoes
Nearly 75 per cent of dingoes euthanised on Fraser Island had been eating human food, including steak, an Easter egg, cornflakes, sausages and commercial dog food. Of 92 dingoes , 59 had human food in their guts, with some having no natural food at all. Autopsies confirmed the views of rangers and conservationists - that people continue to deliberately feed the wild animals, discard food or leave it where dogs can get it. This leads to dingoes being put down because they see humans as a food source and become aggressive. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers have been struggling since the death of Clinton Gage in 2001 to convince visitors - and, particularly, island residents - that feeding is a critical issue in dingo bad behaviour.
Climate Change Minister Kate Jones said autopsies were carried out on dingoes that were put down or that died in other ways, such as being run over. ``It shows dingo feeding has occurred on the island for years, despite the best efforts of (rangers),'' she said. ``A large variety of human food, such as fruit, dog food, bones, beetroot and even a chocolate Easter egg (have been found).'' Island conservationist Mike West said the figures showed those feeding dingoes were creating a problem and it was up to the department to work out where it had gone wrong. The department had previously declared its public education program as ``world's best practice''. ``World's best practice?'' Mr West asked. ``It's closer to world's worst.'' He said most aggression incidents occurred when young dingoes tried to dominate children but the policy of putting them down was over the top. ``Domestic dogs often do this but there are no calls to shoot them,'' Mr West said.
Shark and crocodile deaths were not avenged while dingoes on Fraser Island faced capital punishment. Mr West said the environment would suffer if dingo numbers continued to decline. There were already signs of change, with big goannas commonplace and making pests of themselves inside areas fenced off by rangers. Mr West said the dingo -management plan was clearly not working. Autopsies identified starvation in only one dog while 65 per cent were in good condition with above-average weight. Ms Jones urged Christmas campers and residents not to feed dingoes and to be alert. ``Right now is the most influential time for young dingoes as they explore their surroundings, learn survival skills and adopt good or bad habits,'' she said. ``For this reason, it is vitally important that humans are not associated with food or seen as a food source.'' Fed dingoes expected food and then taught their pups to scavenge, often leading to aggression. People feeding dingoes or leaving food out could be fined up to $4000. Campers should stay close to children and set up camp in fenced areas.
Facts and tips * By not feeding dingoes , you help protect them * Lock away food in strong containers, dingoes will eat anything * Secure rubbish, bury fish offal at least 30cm deep to discourage scavenging * Leave tent wide open so dingoes can see there's no food * Naturally curious, dingoes will approach humans but they do bite * Dingoes are lightning fast - stay within 2m of children * Dingoes are almost as big as a German shepherd * Fraser Island is one of the best places to see pure dingoes * Inbreeding with domestic dogs is threatening their survival * An important predator, they keep the environment in balance * Keep rabbit and feral cat numbers down * Naturally lean, some are sandy-yellow, others black and tan *Courier Mail
Ed Comment; Lots of misinformation in this article above . For a start, Freedom of Information documents have shown that most of the dingoes that have been killed have empty stomachs. We've said it before and we say it again, the Fraser Island Dingo Managment Plan is the worst wildlife management blunder ever committed in Queensland. The Queensland Government claims that dingoes are "naturally skinny" which is nonsense.....a skinny dog is a hungry dog, and thats why people feed them....and they willl never stop that from happening......noone likes to see a starving dog...except the Queensland Government!
Nearly 75 per cent of dingoes euthanised on Fraser Island had been eating human food, including steak, an Easter egg, cornflakes, sausages and commercial dog food. Of 92 dingoes , 59 had human food in their guts, with some having no natural food at all. Autopsies confirmed the views of rangers and conservationists - that people continue to deliberately feed the wild animals, discard food or leave it where dogs can get it. This leads to dingoes being put down because they see humans as a food source and become aggressive. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers have been struggling since the death of Clinton Gage in 2001 to convince visitors - and, particularly, island residents - that feeding is a critical issue in dingo bad behaviour.
Climate Change Minister Kate Jones said autopsies were carried out on dingoes that were put down or that died in other ways, such as being run over. ``It shows dingo feeding has occurred on the island for years, despite the best efforts of (rangers),'' she said. ``A large variety of human food, such as fruit, dog food, bones, beetroot and even a chocolate Easter egg (have been found).'' Island conservationist Mike West said the figures showed those feeding dingoes were creating a problem and it was up to the department to work out where it had gone wrong. The department had previously declared its public education program as ``world's best practice''. ``World's best practice?'' Mr West asked. ``It's closer to world's worst.'' He said most aggression incidents occurred when young dingoes tried to dominate children but the policy of putting them down was over the top. ``Domestic dogs often do this but there are no calls to shoot them,'' Mr West said.
Shark and crocodile deaths were not avenged while dingoes on Fraser Island faced capital punishment. Mr West said the environment would suffer if dingo numbers continued to decline. There were already signs of change, with big goannas commonplace and making pests of themselves inside areas fenced off by rangers. Mr West said the dingo -management plan was clearly not working. Autopsies identified starvation in only one dog while 65 per cent were in good condition with above-average weight. Ms Jones urged Christmas campers and residents not to feed dingoes and to be alert. ``Right now is the most influential time for young dingoes as they explore their surroundings, learn survival skills and adopt good or bad habits,'' she said. ``For this reason, it is vitally important that humans are not associated with food or seen as a food source.'' Fed dingoes expected food and then taught their pups to scavenge, often leading to aggression. People feeding dingoes or leaving food out could be fined up to $4000. Campers should stay close to children and set up camp in fenced areas.
Facts and tips * By not feeding dingoes , you help protect them * Lock away food in strong containers, dingoes will eat anything * Secure rubbish, bury fish offal at least 30cm deep to discourage scavenging * Leave tent wide open so dingoes can see there's no food * Naturally curious, dingoes will approach humans but they do bite * Dingoes are lightning fast - stay within 2m of children * Dingoes are almost as big as a German shepherd * Fraser Island is one of the best places to see pure dingoes * Inbreeding with domestic dogs is threatening their survival * An important predator, they keep the environment in balance * Keep rabbit and feral cat numbers down * Naturally lean, some are sandy-yellow, others black and tan *Courier Mail
Ed Comment; Lots of misinformation in this article above . For a start, Freedom of Information documents have shown that most of the dingoes that have been killed have empty stomachs. We've said it before and we say it again, the Fraser Island Dingo Managment Plan is the worst wildlife management blunder ever committed in Queensland. The Queensland Government claims that dingoes are "naturally skinny" which is nonsense.....a skinny dog is a hungry dog, and thats why people feed them....and they willl never stop that from happening......noone likes to see a starving dog...except the Queensland Government!
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