Two people who moored their yacht in waters off K’gari (Fraser Island) are facing possible fines after a woman exercised two domestic dogs on the beach.
Ranger-in-Charge, Linda Behrendorff, said domestic dogs have been banned on the island by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service since 1991.
“In 2011, the Fraser Coast Regional Council supported us by banning domestic dogs in residential areas to help protect the population of wongari,” Ms Behrendorff said. “Domestic dogs are incompatible with the natural values of K’gari and the wongari on K’gari are among the purest strain in Australia.”
Rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation take a zero-tolerance approach to people who break the rules.
A woman was pictured exercising two domestic dogs on the beach. PIC: Department of Environment and Science
Although the woman kept those dogs on a lead while they were exercising on the beach, the Department of Environment and Science says she will receive a fine when she can be identified.
“Rangers have reviewed photos of the boat, but cannot find a registration, and we’re asking for public assistance to help identify the people on the boat,” said Ms Behrendorff. “Domestic dogs carry diseases or viruses, including heartworm or Parvo virus that could become an issue if it was passed from a domestic dog to the wongari population.”
She said the presence of domestic dogs on the island can also cause stress for wongari and could result in a negative interaction between the wongari, dogs or their owners.
“If the domestic dogs broke off the lead, they could become lost while exploring, which might leave them vulnerable to the wongari,” said Ms Behrendorff. “Domesticated pets do not belong in national parks, and people need to check our website before planning their trips.”
Certified support dogs are the only dogs permitted in national parks, and they must wear an identifying coat or harness, the approved badge or tag, be kept on a lead and owners must have the authorised paperwork.
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Some people just don’t care. It is all about them. Rules are there for a reason!
Not ok. Total disrespect of K’gari, natural beauty, and wildlife. They definitely need to be fined.
Well…I dunno..perhaps..being seafarers they might not have been aware of the LOCAL rules…n had to have a rest stop n pull into shore..
which every sea farer is entitled to do…
They may be good law abiding people who made a mistake..
Always look and think a bit further and deeper before making rash judgements..
which I feel Aussies these day are inclined to do too often…
becoming a bit of a whinging nation..!
Take a broader view of life n relax..
Cheers..
Well saId
law abiding people would check regulations of the areas they intended to visit – personal responsibility to check local rules
They would have known exactly where they were !
Just members of the Born Allowed!
Whereas I don’t agree – always been told that below the high water mark was not actually National Park.
Many years ago that was indeed the case, dont know if NP got the govt to change the rules. Many many years ago on the north shore some friends were walking a dog well below high water mark, ranger arrived, quite vocal demanding to know who owned the dog. I reminded him that the people and dog were outside his area of operation. He promptly left.
For those who speak English the word wongari means dingo.
So a national park is actually a Govt owned tourist park with no limit to the number of visitors…the more visitors the less damage…
Perhaps if they called the wongari a dingo or even a wild dog people might understand
WELL SAID … totally agree with you