Report of Christmas Day pet dog attack by dingoes
Douglas Wildlife
Douglas Shire Council has issued a safety warning to Port Douglas residents and visitors following reports of a pair of domestic dogs being “attacked by two dingoes” on Christmas morning.
The incident reportedly took place at the Port Douglas Sports Complex, an area known to be frequented by a pair of young rainforest dingoes.
The council warning, which was posted on its official Facebook page, is headed by a capped statement written in red: “Dingo risk area”.
“Safety message following an incident at the Port Douglas Sports Complex,” the statement reads.
“Council has been made aware of an incident where two domestic dogs were attacked by two dingoes this morning.
“Please take care if you are out walking this evening.”
The warning comes as a petition started by Port Douglas local Rosie Wang in an effort to help protect Shire dingoes pushes towards 1000 signatures.
Ms Wang’s petition, launched on Sunday, December 15, calls for the immediate removal of traps targeting dingoes in Port Douglas; a shift in council policy away from baiting and killing dingoes and increased public education on safely coexisting with dingoes.
While vocal Douglas Shire dingo supporters have tried to keep secret the homes and regular haunts of the larger population, the young dogs have made the Port Douglas skatepark and surrounds their domain.
And the DSC has held firm that it will not re-think the dingo management plan as “public safety was the priority’’.
The council categorises wild dogs, including dingoes, as pests that will be trapped and euthanised if considered a threat to public safety.
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