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Investigation continues following K’gari dingo speargun death

An investigation continues into the speargun killing of a dingo on world heritage-listed K’gari that happened in the wake of multiple children bitten on the island.

Investigations are ongoing regarding an incident in which a dingo was allegedly killed using a speargun on K’gari last month.
Investigations are ongoing regarding an incident in which a dingo was allegedly killed using a speargun on K’gari last month.

Investigations are ongoing regarding an incident in which a dingo was allegedly killed using a speargun on K’gari last month.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman confirmed there was no update regarding action over the animal’s death.

It was alleged the incident occurred on April 19 when the dingo was lingering around a man’s campsite at night.

A speargun was allegedly used to kill the dingo and the man informed authorities the next day.

The spokesman said the dingo involved had not bitten anyone prior to the incident.

It could not be confirmed which camping area the incident happened at or whether the man was alone or with family or friends.

He said the man was being investigated for offences under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and was co-operating with officials.

The maximum penalty for causing the death of a dingo is $431,000 or two years in prison.

The spokesman confirmed the man had not yet been charged with any offence.

It comes in the wake of a number of dingo attacks involving children on the island.

On April 23, a family was packing up after visiting Awinya Creek on the western side of the island and two boys who were covered in sand were told to wash off in the creek.

As the boys washed off at the mouth of the creek, a dingo ran straight at them.

The boys screamed and ran towards their parents.

The dingo bit the 10-year-old on the back of his leg, leaving minor injuries including a scratch and bruising to his lower right calf muscle.

A nine-year-old girl was also attacked by a dingo on the island in April.

Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, it is an offence to deliberately harm, interfere or interact with dingoes.

Negative dingo encounters should immediately be reported to a QPWS ranger by calling 07 4127 9150.

Originally published as Investigation continues following K’gari dingo speargun death

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/investigation-continues-following-kgari-dingo-speargun-death/news-story/4bbccad34e36ced364a39c178a6a4941