Key Takeaways:
- The Queensland government has euthanased six dingoes involved in the death of a Canadian backpacker, Piper James, on K’gari (Fraser Island)
- A coroner’s report found that Ms. James was bitten by dingoes before she died, but drowning was the most likely cause of death
- The decision to cull the dingoes was made in the interests of public safety, with rangers receiving advice from the Queensland coroner that the dingoes had played a role in Ms. James’s death
- The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, the traditional owners of the land, were not consulted about the decision to euthanase the dingoes and are considering taking legal action
- The family of Piper James has expressed their opposition to the cull, stating that their daughter loved animals and would not want any harm to come to them as a consequence of her death
Introduction to the Incident
The Queensland government has taken the decision to euthanase six dingoes that were involved in the death of a Canadian backpacker, Piper James, on K’gari (Fraser Island). The 19-year-old’s body was found surrounded by a pack of approximately 10 dingoes on the island’s Eastern Beach on January 19. A coroner’s report found that Ms. James was bitten by the dingoes before she died, but drowning was the most likely cause of death. The decision to cull the dingoes was made after rangers received advice from the Queensland coroner that the animals had played a role in Ms. James’s death.
The Culling of the Dingoes
Environment Minister Andrew Powell announced that six out of a pack of approximately 10 dingoes had already been euthanased, with more to be put down in the coming days. He stated that the decision was made in the interests of public safety, citing the aggressive behavior of at least one of the dingoes towards a camper on the island since Ms. James’s death. Mr. Powell expressed his sympathies to Ms. James’s family but said that he supported the rangers’ decision to cull the dingoes. He also reassured stakeholders, including tourism operators on the island, that K’gari was still open and safe for visitors.
Response from Traditional Owners
The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, the traditional owners of the land, have expressed their opposition to the cull, stating that they were not consulted about the decision to euthanase the dingoes. Director Christine Royan said that she was informed about the decision shortly before the public announcement was made and is considering bringing legal action against the government. Ms. Royan argued that the government had mismanaged the island and that the dingoes were protected under the Conservation Act. She also stated that traditional owners had a process in place for managing the island and its wildlife, but were not given the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process.
Family’s Opposition to the Cull
The family of Piper James has also expressed their opposition to the cull, stating that their daughter loved animals and would not want any harm to come to them as a consequence of her death. Ms. James’s mother, Angela James, said that her daughter was an animal lover and would be upset if she knew that the dingoes were being culled as a result of her death. She emphasized that the dingoes were on the island first and that her daughter respected and appreciated their presence. The family’s opposition to the cull has added to the controversy surrounding the decision, with many questioning whether the government’s actions were necessary and proportionate to the threat posed by the dingoes.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The culling of the dingoes on K’gari has sparked a heated debate about the management of wildlife on the island and the role of traditional owners in decision-making processes. The Queensland government has defended its decision, citing public safety concerns and the need to protect visitors to the island. However, the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and the family of Piper James have raised important questions about the ethics and legality of the cull, and the need for more inclusive and sustainable management practices. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further controversy and debate about the future of the dingoes on K’gari and the management of the island’s wildlife.
