Search on for woman who walked dogs on Fraser Island

Domestic dogs are banned on Fraser Island, but that didn’t stop one woman from bringing her pets off a yacht to walk on the beach. Now authorities want help to identify her.

Exercising her dogs on the sandy shores of Fraser Island (K’gari) could come at a big cost for one woman.

The public is being asked for assistance in identifying the woman after photos were taken of her with the two dogs after she took them ashore from a yacht that was moored in waters off the island recently.

Ranger in charge Linda Behrendorff said domestic dogs have been banned on the island by the Fraser Coast Regional Council since 1991, which was supported by the council in residential areas since 2011 to help protect the population of dingoes.

Domestic dogs spotted on Fraser Island.

“Domestic dogs are incompatible with the natural values of K’gari and the wongari (dingoes) on K’gari are among the purest strain in Australia,” Ms Behrendorff said.

“Rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation take a zero-tolerance approach to people who break the rules.

“Although the woman kept those dogs on a lead while they were exercising on the beach, she will receive a fine when she can be identified.

“Rangers have reviewed photos of the boat, but cannot find a registration, and we’re asking for public assistance to help identify the people on the boat.

Domestic dogs spotted on Fraser Island.

“Domestic dogs carry diseases or viruses, including heartworm or Parvo virus that could become an issue if it was passed from a domestic dog to the wongari population.

“The presence of domestic dogs on the island can also cause stress for wongari and could result in a negative interaction between the wongari, dogs or their owners.

“If the domestic dogs broke off the lead, they could become lost while exploring, which might leave them vulnerable to the wongari.

Ms Behrendorff said certified support dogs are the only dogs permitted in national parks, and they must wear an identifying coat or harness, the approved badge or tag, be kept on a lead and owners must have the authorised paperwork.

“Domesticated pets do not belong in national parks, and people need to check our website before planning their trips,” she said.

“Anyone with information about people who bring dogs or other domesticated pets to K’gari is encouraged to email [e-mail] or phone [phone].”

The latest incident comes after a tourist was fined after being photographed deliberately feeding a dingo pup on Fraser Island earlier this year.