Major investigation launched after man allegedly uses speargun to kill dingo on K’gari in Queensland

A major investigation has been launched after a man allegedly killed a dingo with a speargun on a heritage-listed sand island.

Rangers have launched a major investigation after a man allegedly killed a dingo with a speargun on the heritage-listed island of K’gari, off the Queensland coast.

In a statement, a Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) spokesman said the dingo was allegedly speared by the man on April 19 after the animal was lingering around his campsite on the island at night.

The man told department officials about the incident the following day.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are now investigating him for possible offences under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

It is an offence to deliberately harm, interfere or interact with dingoes under Queensland law.

Rangers have launched a major investigation after a dingo was allegedly speared to death by a man on K’gari – formerly Fraser Island – in April. Picture: Supplied

“The department’s investigation is ongoing,” the QPWS spokesman said.

“(The man) has fully co-operated with department officials.”

Rangers have urged people to report negative dingo encounters on the island to QPWS rangers.

The latest development follows nearly 30 dingo attacks on K’gari – formerly known as Fraser Island – being recorded over 2023.

By comparison, there were just five attacks recorded in 2022 and 13 in 2021.

Earlier this year, a young girl suffered “significant” lacerations to her leg after being bitten by a dingo at Hook Point on the southernmost tip of K’gari in January.

In separate incidents that same month, a primary-school aged girl was also bitten at the barge landing in the same area after she became frightened by the animal, while a man was also bitten.

Rangers confirmed the dingo responsible for the attacks had been euthanised following an “escalation” of dangerous behaviours.

The latest development follows a spate of high-profile attacks in 2023, including a dingo biting a French tourist on the island as she sunbathed. Picture: Supplied

Another involved a primary school-aged girl being flown to hospital after being bitten by one of the animals in April 2023. Picture: Supplied / RACQ LifeFlight

Euthanisation is considered a last resort by wildlife authorities as it can impact the island’s natural, ecological and cultural wellbeing.

One high-profile incident involved a French tourist being bitten on the buttocks as she sunbathed on the island in June 2023.

That same month, a 10-year-old boy was attacked and dragged underwater by a dingo in front of a camping area on K’gari’s west coast.

Two women were bitten on the thigh in separate incidents in August, while a 24-year-old woman was set upon by four dingoes while jogging in the Orchid Beach area of the island in July.

The woman fled into the ocean but suffered more than 30 bites to her arms, legs and torso after the pack followed her into the water.

The spate of high-profile attacks has resulted in rangers pleading with visitors to be cautious and stay “dingo-safe” due to the animals’ stealth, speed and natural curiosity.

They include keeping young children and teenagers close, carrying a stick, walking in groups and not feeding dingoes or leaving unsecured food around campsites, among other points.

How to avoid dingo attacks

• Always stay within arm’s reach of children and young teens
• Always walk in groups
• Always carry a stick when walking
• Do not run. Running or jogging can excite wongari
• Never feed wongari
• Camp in fenced areas where possible
• Never store food or food containers in tents
• Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
• Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

Originally published as Major investigation launched after man allegedly uses speargun to kill dingo on K’gari in Queensland