Dingo killing sentence
Issued: 28 October 2024
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Photo of the dingo before it was harmed
The Hervey Bay Magistrates Court has fined a man $5,000 and sentenced him to 240 hours of community service and two years’ probation after the speargun killing of a dingo (wongari) on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) earlier this year.
The man pleaded guilty to killing the dingo with his speargun on 19 April 2024. He was also ordered to pay $1,500 in court costs and was not convicted.
The sentence sends a clear message to visitors to the island that killing, deliberately harming, or committing offences against dingoes will not be tolerated.
In sentencing, the Magistrate considered the man’s self-reporting of the offence as a mitigating factor.
Residents and visitors to K’gari are encouraged to report negative dingo interactions to rangers by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au
People are encouraged to Be dingo-safe! at all times on K’gari.
- Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
- Always walk in groups and carry a stick
- Camp in fenced areas where possible
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
- Never feed dingoes
- Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
- Never store food or food containers in tents, and
- Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
View more information on K’gari dingoes.