RE: SUSTAINABILITY OF THE FRASER ISLAND DINGO.
Australia has the worst record in the world for species extinction, and it seems the Queensland Government is intent on continuing this unenviable record.
The Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) has scientifically been proven to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), which means it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The Dingoes of World Heritage listed Fraser Island are also one of the purist strains in Australia and are a major attraction for International tourists.
Against this evidence and the evidence of independent, non-governmental experts, the Queensland government, under the guise of protecting the public from aggressive animals, has adopted a policy of systematic shooting, hazing ( the shooting of clay pellets from slingshots) and starvation in an attempt to exterminate the animals, and they have appointed Qld. National Parks (DERM) as their executioners.
Dingoes left alone are generally timid by nature, but is it any wonder that all this interference is causing extreme stress making them more likely to be aggressive towards humans! And is it any wonder that normal, compassionate people, when they see a starving animal, are tempted to feed it!
There is no doubt that the Departments Dingo Management Strategy is a complete failure and there are important questions that need answering...
Why are unqualified personnel given carte blanche to shoot Dingoes they perceive as dangerous when animal behaviourists contradict their assessments?
Why will DERM not co-operate with these experts in finding a workable management program?
Why are those that are trying to protect the Dingoes being intimidated and persecuted for their efforts?
Why is the hazing concentrated in an area where the State Government plans to MARKET an ECO-TOURISM RESORT??
We not only expect answers but also action..
The culling must stop now and the gene pool of pure Dingo be preserved.
Management must be handed over to the appropriate experts before it is too late. Government not only has a duty of care , but a moral obligation to protect the fragile eco-system of Fraser Island, and that includes protecting our iconic Dingo from extinction..
Awaiting your prompt action..
