Koalas killed and seriously injured by domestic dogs
Issued: 27 September 2024
Two koalas have been killed and another is receiving intensive care after receiving horrific injuries following recent domestic dog attacks on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
In three separate incidents, the koalas were attacked by unrestrained domestic dogs.
Director Southern Wildlife and Koala Operations, Geoff Lundie-Jenkins, said the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is urging dog owners on Minjerribah to keep their pets restrained, particularly at night between August and February which is koala mating season.
“During the breeding season male koalas are searching for females, and they are particularly vulnerable because they spend more time on the ground than they usually would,” Mr Lundi-Jenkins said.
“They will be moving through council reserves, protected areas and residential backyards, and dog owners should be ready to take swift action if they hear unusual activity from their dogs.
“Koalas generally require immediate veterinary care following a dog attack, and a lot of wounds may appear superficial on the outside but internally the injuries can be catastrophic.
“It is estimated that around seventy per cent will die, either from being mauled, from infection or from internal crush injuries caused by bites.
“Dog attacks are the third most common cause of koala death, behind habitat clearing and vehicle strikes.
“That’s why we’re asking all dog owners on Minjerribah, including residents and visitors, to keep their dogs properly restrained in public areas and confined in a secure area between sunset and sunrise, such as within a veranda, garage, enclosure or on a dog-run.”
Koalas are on the move:
- Koalas are more active during their breeding season between August and February
- Juvenile koalas often use backyards to find their own territory
- Most dog attacks on koalas occur in backyards and at night
- Koala attacks are more likely if people own more than one dog
- Dog owners should keep their animals confined at night
- Dogs should always be walked on a lead
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) Community Land and Sea Manager Darren Burns said, “Minjerribah cannot sustain this level of mortality on our native wildlife, which worsens during holiday periods.
“There is not enough being done and we’re calling for an urgent summit between Traditional Owners, other lands managers and regulators to map out a pathway forward aiming at tighter regulation and penalties for non-compliance through to possible exclusion of domestic animals being brought to Minjerribah.”
Mr Lundie-Jenkins said it is an offence to have an unrestrained dog in a public place on the island, and dog owners face significant fines or imprisonment if their pet attacks and injures or kills native wildlife.
“Because the koala is listed as endangered, dog owners can be issued with a notice to appear in court if their dog kill or injures a koala,” he added.
“The Queensland Government recently strengthened legislation to encourage dog owners to look after their pets in a responsible way.
“The Queensland Government and Social Marketing @ Griffith are also partnering to expand the successful Leave It program to deliver professional dog training events across SEQ designed to keep dogs and native wildlife safe.
“Anyone on Minjerribah with information about recent or historical dog attacks on koalas is encouraged to report it to the department on 1300 130 372.
“Minjerribah residents are encouraged to use the koala QWildlife app to report all koala sightings on the island, and this provides us with important information as to their locations, behaviour and population numbers.
“Residents and dog owners are encouraged to report all koala attacks as soon as possible to allow wildlife carers to capture the animal and get it to a vet for treatment.
“Koalas are one of Queensland’s most iconic native animals, and the Queensland Government is committed to protecting and conserving their population.”