The Ranger in Charge of K’gari (Fraser Island) has noted that a woman from a moored yacht who exercised dogs on the beach at K’gari could be required to face possible fines.
The ranger, Linda Behrendorff explained that domestic dogs had 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.”
She said rangers and the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation took a zero-tolerance approach to people who broke the rules.
“Although the woman kept those dogs on a lead while they were exercising on the beach, she will receive a fine when she can be identified,” Ms Behrendorff said.
“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.”
She said domestic dogs carried diseases or viruses, including heartworm or Parvo virus, which could become an issue if it was passed from a domestic dog to the wongari population.
Ms Behrendorff said certified support dogs were 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.
