A 23-year-old man has been slugged with a hefty fine of more than $2,000, for feeding a dingo on K’gari.
The Department of Environment and Science investigated the incident, after receiving a tip-off and images from a member of the public.
The Darling Downs man was allegedly parked at Hook Point, waiting to catch the ferry back to the mainland in April, when he was snapped feeding the animal.
“The person said the man was ‘brazenly’ feeding the wongari, and given his place at the front of the cue, his offending was witnessed by multiple people,” compliance officers Mike Devery says.
“Following a review of the witness statements and photographs, QPWS compliance officers interviewed the man and he admitted feeding the dingo.
“The man told compliance officers that he threw biscuits in the sand to the wongari when he was cleaning out his vehicle.”
The Darling Downs man has since received a $2,300 Penalty Infringement Notice.
Compliance manager Mike Devery says the fine sends a strong message to residents and visitors to the island that feeding wongari will not be tolerated by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
“This is the second fine this year that has been issued to a man for feeding a wongari while waiting for the barge at Hook Point, and rangers are urging people not to do it.
“Feeding wongari can cause them to become habituated and approach people for food, which can put people and the wongari at risk.”
Mr Devery says the rules were designed to keep people and wongari safe and those who ignored the rules could expect a fine or a court appearance.
“In 2022, rangers have issued 22 PINs for food availability and two PINs for deliberate feeding, and on many occasions members of the public have provided us with information and photos.
“We have found most of the PINs have been issued to men, and rangers are asking residents or visitors to the island to remind their male friends or family members not to break the rules.
“I remind people that the maximum penalty that a court can impose for deliberately feeding wongari is $11,500.”
