Dingoes around Broome 'may be destroyed' if they pose a public safety risk, department rules
/ By Esse DevesIn short:
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has confirmed individual dingoes that pose a threat to public safety may be destroyed.
It follows several reported attacks on domestic animals by dingoes and wild dogs in residential backyards and sand dunes in Broome.
What's next?
Dog owners say they are relieved by the approach, and hope signs warning the public about dingoes will help raise awareness.
Dingoes posing a threat to public safety in one of Western Australia's top tourist towns may be destroyed, according to a state government department that manages several conservation parks in the Kimberley.
It comes after several reported attacks by wild dogs and dingoes on domestic animals in semi-rural residential backyards in Broome and sand dunes north of Cable Beach over the past year.
Broome rescue dog Dave was attacked by what was believed to be two dingoes while playing with another dog in sand dunes last month, suffering wounds to his legs and chest.
Dave's owner, Melissa McDougall, said she was relieved roaming wild dogs, including dingoes, would be managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the shire.
"I know a lot of people may not approve of dingoes being destroyed," she said.
"I don't know if they can be really relocated, but definitely wild dogs, I think it's probably the best option.
"It's great that they're actually listening and doing something about it."
A DBCA spokesperson said it would take a "collaborative, risk-based approach to cross-tenure management of problem dingoes", as the animals moved between different jurisdictions.
"While dingoes are part of the local ecosystem, individual dingoes may need to be destroyed if they are deemed to pose a threat to public safety, either on DBCA-managed land or neighbouring areas," a spokesperson said.
'Part of the ecosystem'
The Broome Shire confirmed it had received five reports of wild dog and dingo attacks since August last year.
Ann Painter, who rescues and rehomes dingoes in Perth, said any reports of wild dogs encroaching on residential areas were concerning.
"Authorities should take control of the feral dogs that are running loose — there's that many of them running around areas like Broome, Port Hedland and Newman," she said.
Ms Painter said wild dogs, not purebred dingoes, were likely to blame.
"They really need to take control of that because your biggest problem is the feral dogs and your hybrid dogs," she said.
"It is happening quite frequently in these areas, mainly because their food source is being depleted as well."
She said any culling of dingoes would be an "absolute disaster" for the environment.
"They are part of the ecosystem and they have been here for centuries," Ms Painter said.
"Wiping them out is only going to create further problems."
Avoid aggressive behaviour
Ms Painter said anyone who came into contact with dingoes should avoid eye contact, aggression, and threatening behaviour.
"The dingo does not want to engage in negative confrontation," Ms Painter said.
"If you've entered into his domain, well, what are you doing there?
"He's going to be curious about you.
"If you show fear, panic or aggression, he's going to retaliate."
The WA Dingo Association said it was important members of the public were educated about dingoes.
"Take a little bit more vigilance and keep an eye on their pets while they're up there and walking them off lead in the area," he said.
"It is an ongoing problem that is probably going to get larger, but we have to work towards a solution that enables us to live with wildlife, not destroy the wildlife."
The DBCA said dingoes displaying aggressive behaviour could be reported to Parks and Wildlife or the local shire.