Rangers have put down six dingoes from the pack of animals linked to the death of a Canadian woman on K’gari.
19 year-old Piper James was found dead near the Maheno shipwreck on the island early last Monday morning surrounded by a pack of about ten dingoes.
A preliminary assessment by the Queensland Coroner has found dingo bites found on Ms James’s body were unlikely to have caused her death.
The Coroner found drowning is the most likely cause of death but further testing could take several weeks.
A spokesperson for the Coroner said the “autopsy has found physical evidence consistent with drowning and injuries consistent with dingo bites”.
“There is no evidence that any other person was involved,” the spokesperson said.
A statement from Ms James’ family has previously said she would not have wanted the dingoes to be hurt in response to the incident as she loved animals.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said it is aware of the initial findings of Piper James’ autopsy and extends its deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones.
A spokesperson said rangers have closely monitored the pack of dingoes involved in the incident and have observed some aggressive behaviour.
“Following the initial autopsy findings, this pack’s involvement in the incident, and observations since, this pack has been deemed an unacceptable public safety risk,” the spokesperson said.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said all the dingoes involved in last Monday’s incident will be humanely euthanised.
It is understood six of the estimated ten dingoes have been culled so far and this has angered traditional owners.
The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation said it has not been consulted and is considering legal action.
Meanwhile, the Environment and Tourism Minister, Andrew Powell, said this tragedy has deeply affected Queenslanders and touched the hearts of people around the world.
“I have been kept briefed by my Department throughout this incident.
“The Department has made the decision that all dingoes involved in the incident will be removed and humanely euthanised.
“This is a tough decision but I believe it’s the right call in the public interest.
“K’gari Fraser Island remains open, and we are supporting our tourism operators as they continue to showcase the Fraser Coast as an incredible place to visit,” Mr Powell said.
Increased ranger patrols will continue in coming weeks along with an ongoing public education campaign, Be dingo-safe.
