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Man allegedly kills dingo with speargun at K’gari campsite

New details have come to light after a dingo was speared to death on K’gari and a man came forward following the incident.

A young, mature female dingo on 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island.
A young, mature female dingo on 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island.

New details have emerged after a man used a speargun to kill a dingo on World-Heritage listed K’gari before dobbing himself in the next day.

A Department of Environment spokesman said it was alleged the incident occurred on April 19 after the dingo was lingering around his campsite at night.

The department spokesman said the man told the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation about the dingo’s death the following day.

On Tuesday, the spokesman said the dingo 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 incident sparked a big reaction on social media, where many were upset by the man’s actions.

Rosalyne Thornton wanted the man permanently banned from the island.

Others felt his actions were cruel, with Dave Deem saying he hoped “they throw the book at him”.

But others felt he was justified.

“Never put wild animals before humans,” Paul Mckenzie wrote, while Stephen Michaels wrote “the kids are a bit safer now”.

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.

The department’s investigation continues.

Man has been cooperative with authorities after allegedly shooting a dingo at K’gari.
Man has been cooperative with authorities after allegedly shooting a dingo at K’gari.

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 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au/

The department has been contacted for more information about the incident.

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Originally published as Man allegedly kills dingo with speargun at K’gari campsite

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/man-allegedly-kills-dingo-with-speargun-at-kgari-campsite/news-story/6f6c22298596fe1a7cc1e1f3fec8e4c8