One of the joys of living in this beautiful part of the world is the richness of its wildlife, flora, and fauna. While some species, like crocodiles, snakes, and sharks, may capture more attention due to media and film dramatization, others, like dingoes, are unfairly misunderstood.

The two dingoes currently in Port Douglas have brought joy to many locals, including myself. During one encounter, I shooed them off a bend in the road to prevent them from being hit by a car. They observed me with curiosity before retreating into the undergrowth—hardly the "vicious baby-hunting dogs" popularized by outdated stereotypes.

Dingo attacks in Australia are exceedingly rare and often linked to human negligence, such as ignoring "Do Not Feed" signs, particularly on K'gari (Fraser Island). Despite this, the Douglas Shire Council has set traps to kill the Port Douglas dingoes, citing unsubstantiated claims of "stalking and chasing." Domestic dogs cause over 2000 people to be hospitalised in Australia yearly. 

Scientific research, including recent DNA studies, confirms that dingoes are a distinct and ancient species, not feral dogs, with origins tracing back over 18,000 years. Conservationists like Mike Letnic from UNSW affirm their ecological importance, underscoring the need to protect, not destroy, these animals.

Queensland’s official stance recognizes dingoes as native wildlife under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, where they are protected in national parks. Killing them contradicts the state's regulations, which prohibit disturbing or harming protected wildlife. Yet the Council claims their actions align with the Biosecurity Act 2014—a law that does not explicitly endorse killing indigenous species.

Douglas Shire Council’s approach to wildlife management has often been reactive—removing trees to avoid falling coconuts, and now killing dingoes to address hypothetical risks. Instead, we should prioritise coexistence and relocation through education, awareness campaigns, and signage to discourage feeding or approaching dingoes.

This petition calls for:

1. The immediate removal of traps targeting dingoes in Port Douglas.
2. A shift in Council policy away from automatic baiting and killing - a strategy of relocation if they are invading public spaces
3. Increased public education on safely coexisting with dingoes.

Together, we can protect these iconic animals and ensure they remain a cherished part of our environment. Please sign to show your support for humane and responsible wildlife management.