Dingo protection the goal of petition
Douglas Dingoes
The dingoes of the Douglas region are back on the agenda, Cairns-based conservation Luke Cooper launching a petition to protect the local population.
Mr Cooper advocated last year for education about dingoes when a pair of young ones took up residence at the Port Douglas Sports Complex, raising concerns, being the focus of a Douglas Shire Council trapping program and a report of an attack on a domestic dog on Christmas Day.
He is the only person to have studied the purity of the Douglas Shire dingoes, and began his push to have the population permanently protected. He also campaigned successfully for signage to be put up warning people of the presence of dingoes and educating them on measures to take to limit interactions.
His petition, Ensure Protection for Dingoes in the Wet Tropics, had received 478 signatures on the change.org platform to last night, Sunday, August 24.
“I am a passionate dingo conservationist with over a decade of experience. Based in Cairns, Queensland,’’ it reads.
“Among the most iconic Australian animals, dingoes hold a special place not only in our ecosystems but also in our cultural heritage. Yet, they face myriad threats that endanger their survival, especially in the Wet Tropics region. Every year, countless dingoes are left orphaned/sick or injured to die throughout Queensland, with insufficient rescues or rehabilitation centers to give them a fighting chance.
“To protect these magnificent creatures, we must implement full protection of dingoes across the entirety of the Wet Tropics region, ensuring the survival and welfare of dingoes for generations to come. This starts with improved education and awareness campaigns.
“By highlighting the importance of dingoes and teaching the public how to safely coexist with them, promote a positive and informed relationship between humans and dingoes. Signage in areas where you're likely to see dingoes.’’
The petition pushes for crucial funding to establish a dedicated dingo rescue centre in the Cairns region.
“Such a centre would offer sanctuary and rehabilitation to countless orphaned or injured dingoes across Far North Queensland providing the care they need to thrive. It would also serve as an educational hub, fostering understanding and respect for this vital species,’’ Mr Cooper said.
“By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to protect an emblematic species and ensuring that our children and grandchildren can experience the wonder and cultural significance of dingoes in our natural landscapes. Your support is instrumental in driving change and securing funding and policies that reflect the urgency of protecting our beloved dingoes. Please sign and join me in this vital conservation effort.’’
Petition signee Richard has added in comments: “The dingo plays an important part in our ecosystem. They have been treated poorly and with prejudice since 1788. I hate to see them go the same way as the Thylacine. In this day and age there has to be a better way of living with these beaut. Native animals.’’
And Lara added: “Save our dingoes to save our ecosystem!’’
A petition launched by Port Douglas resident Rosie Wang at the height of the dingo dramas late last year was calling for the immediate removal of traps targeting dingoes in Port Douglas; a shift in council policy away from automatic baiting and killing - a strategy of relocation if they are invading public spaces and increased public education on safely coexisting with dingoes, was supported by more than 1300 people.
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