A motorhoming couple have had their pet poodle killed by a dingo in WA’s north-west region prompting calls for more warning signs to be erected.
Just over a week ago, following a series of incidents, the Shire of East Pilbara issued a warning to tourists and campers travelling through the region to be careful of dingoes and wild dogs.
Shire President Anthony Middleton said campers needed to be aware that dingoes and wild dogs are active and to keep children and domestic dogs close by and under constant supervision.
He said wild dogs are animals that were previously domesticated and now live in the region, surviving on their wits.
“We want to raise awareness of the reality that throughout our vast region we have wild dogs and dingoes present,” Cr Middleton said.
Dingoes interacting with campers is more commonly associated with Queensland's Fraser Island. PIC: Queensland DESI
“We are also working with Main Roads to ensure adequate signage is displayed at the Mt Robinson camping ground, and we will also use social media posts to notify people in the area.”
Rangers will continue to monitor the movements of dingoes and wild dogs in the area.
“Because it’s the breeding season for dingoes and wild dogs, animals will be on the lookout for food to provide for their litters,” Cr Middleton said. “We recommend going for walks at the campgrounds or surrounding landscape with others, not alone … stay still if confronted, try to make yourself as tall as possible and make loud noises, walk back slowly to a safe place, please do not feed the animals.”
The ABC reports that, last month, Steve and Irene Dixon lost one of their dogs to a dingo attack after setting up camp at the base of Mount Robinson, about 1,200 kilometres north of Perth.
The couple were nine days into their two-month motorhome adventure with their two dogs, Gina and Harley.
Mr Dixon said he had not seen any dingoes in the area when they arrived.
“I put [the dogs] both out to do a wee before we went to bed and there was no action,” he told the ABC. “And then I let the little girl dog out at half past seven the next morning … she was only out there 10 seconds and then we heard the big squeal.”
The couple told the ABC they tried to save their pet by throwing rocks at the dingo, striking it several times.
“It dropped the dog and the dog was running back towards the vehicle and the dingo got to it first,” Mr Dixon said. “And then trotted away casually with it, down towards the road about another hundred metres and into the little gorge.”
The dingo has been described as a tan and white colour, and up to thirty kilograms in weight.
Ther ABC said several reports were made to the Shire of East Pilbara regarding dingo attacks on pet dogs at the site over three weeks in July, including an attempted attack on a bull-mastiff breed.
The council told the ABC that Main Roads installed a variable message board at the site over the last few weeks.
A spokesperson for Main Roads said it was aware of the current concerns regarding dingo activity.
“We are working with the Shire of East Pilbara to help inform road users and the general public,” the spokesperson told the ABC. “Signage at the rest area is being considered as part of this process.”
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Terrible for the dog owners. Dogs need to be under control, on a leash at all times for their own safety. Lots of hazards exist eg poison, snakes. They shouldn’t be wandering.
So very true. Same applies to children. You need to take care and be responsible. Unfortunately all the warnings and signs do not always work.
People should remember that small dogs are at greater risk of injury than larger dogs! Small dogs because of their size and behaviour. They are even at risk from eagles! Where is the common sense? My dogs go out on a tether to toilet. They are big dogs and well equipped to defend themselves but I would never dream of letting a small dog or puppy outside unsupervised. Canines are predators first – but also prey in the right circumstances.
I know someone who lost a puppy to a Wedgetail Eagle
I have SEEN a Wedgetail dive at a small dog at a park
I know of someone whose dog was killed by a bigger dog
I also know of someone whose dog was killed by a snake
Management is key!
correct … awareness and common-sense
We were there approximately weeks ago and seeing the neon sign and being warned by another camper, took appropriate care, but was still stalked within minutes of stepping out of the van with my 2 jack Russells, confronted the dingo and it took of.
The biggest problem I see is that dog owners, Anyone who is travelling with dogs and stop in the bush to let their dogs run without them being on a leash are just irresponsible. There is a very good chance the domesticated dog will pick up a legally laid bait or be attacked by wild dogs. When that happens the dog owners cry foul. The owners are the ones at fault here, and the dog suffers because of their irresponsible actions. Keep the dogs on a leash and owners will know exactly where they are.
spot on …
Totally agree.
Councillor Middleton says ” wild dogs are animals that were previously domesticated “. He ought to educate himself of facts relating to dingoes and their hybrids.
I think your facts may be out date. Latest DNA (ABC Landline) research suggests dingoes rarely breed with domestic or feral dogs
Our English staffyhad the side of her face nearly peeled off due to wild/camp dogs outside coberpedy