The Queensland Government euthanised six dingoes after the body of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James was found on K'gari on January 19. An autopsy found injuries matching dingo bites and evidence consistent with drowning; a coronial inquiry is ongoing. The move sparked criticism from the Butchulla traditional owners and wildlife experts, who warn the cull could harm the island's small dingo population and call for coordinated management and stronger visitor controls.
Outcry After Queensland Euthanises Dingoes Linked to Backpacker’s Death on K’gari
Dingoes have been implicated in the death of a young Canadian woman on the Australian island of K'gari (WILLIAM WEST)(WILLIAM WEST/AFP/AFP)
The Queensland Government has faced strong criticism after rangers euthanised part of a dingo pack following the discovery of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James on K'gari (Fraser Island) on January 19.
What Happened
Authorities said six dingoes were put down after the body of Piper James was found on a beach on the World Heritage-listed island. Rangers reported that members of a 10-animal pack had exhibited what they described as "aggressive behaviour," prompting the euthanisation programme.
Autopsy and Investigation
An autopsy found injuries consistent with dingo bites as well as evidence "consistent with drowning." A spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland said pre-mortem dingo bite marks were unlikely to have caused immediate death. A coronial inquiry into the exact cause of death is expected to take several weeks.
Local and Expert Backlash
The Butchulla people, traditional owners of K'gari, said they were not consulted before the dingoes—known in their language as wongari—were euthanised. The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation described the lack of engagement as "unexpected and disappointing," saying it felt the voices of traditional owners had been sidelined.
"Once again, it feels as though economic priorities are being placed above the voices of the people and traditional owners," the corporation said.
Wildlife experts warned the decision could threaten the island’s already small dingo population, estimated at roughly 70–200 animals. Mathew Crowther, Professor of Quantitative Conservation Biology at the University of Sydney, said removing a pack of 10 could harm genetic diversity and further imperil the population.
Causes and Prevention
Scientists and wildlife managers emphasise that habituation to people—often caused when tourists feed dingoes—reduces the animals' fear of humans and raises the risk of conflict. "They just relate humans to food," Crowther told AFP. Experts have urged better visitor education, stronger enforcement of feeding bans, and coordinated management involving rangers, Indigenous custodians and tourism operators.
Family Reaction
Piper James's father, Todd James, said on social media that his family’s hearts were "shattered" by her death and described the news of the euthanisation as "heart-wrenching," while acknowledging authorities may have acted from a public safety perspective.
What Comes Next
The state’s environment minister said the operation would continue as needed while the coroner completes the investigation. Conservationists, Indigenous leaders and scientists continue to call for a joined-up approach to balance public safety, cultural rights and the long-term survival of K'gari’s dingoes.
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