Paws and Claws president Michael Kerr has fronted the animal welfare group’s call on Douglas Shire Council for immediate cessation of lethal dingo control and public assurance against 1080 poison use.

The former Douglas Shire Mayor says Council’s continued endorsement of lethal dingo control - including shooting and trapping - has prompted renewed calls for a more humane, transparent, and evidence-based approach to managing wildlife in the region.

Prompted by council’s formal rejection of a petition by Rosie Wang, Let Sleeping Dingoes Live, at the last council meeting, Mr Kerr has urged Council to immediately halt its “instant kill” policy and publicly confirm that 1080 poison will not be used within the Shire.

“Whilst I understand Council’s duty to protect public safety, sentencing native animals to death for behaviours caused by human feeding and habituation is unjust,” Mr Kerr said.

“We must consider all alternatives before resorting to irreversible actions.”

The Council’s Biosecurity Management Plan 2022–2026 lists shooting as the “optimal” control method for dingoes deemed aggressive or habituated.

However, this approach has drawn criticism from conservationists, residents, and animal welfare advocates, particularly following reports of a young dingo being trapped and killed near the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, dingoes are classified as restricted invasive animals outside protected areas, obligating councils to manage associated risks. Yet the Nature Conservation Act 1992 recognises dingoes as native wildlife, protected within national parks and conservation zones. Mr Kerr says this legal duality demands a more nuanced response and one that balances safety with ecological and ethical responsibility.

The key concerns and requests from Mr Kerr as president of The Homeless Animal and Boarding Society inc are:

• Immediate assurance that 1080 poison will not be used in Douglas Shire, given its documented risks to non-target species, domestic pets, and animal welfare.
• Suspension of lethal control measures pending independent review of dingo behaviour and community consultation.
• Public release of evidence supporting claims of aggression or stalking, to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Commitment to non-lethal alternatives, including: Expanded signage and education campaigns discouraging feeding and interaction; Collaboration with conservation bodies to explore relocation and sanctuary options; Development of a regional dingo rescue and education centre, as proposed by Cairns-based conservationist Luke Cooper.

“These animals are not villains, they are victims of human negligence,” Mr Kerr said.

“We must lead with education, not extermination.”

Two community petitions - Let Sleeping Dingoes Live and Ensure Protection for Dingoes in the Wet Tropics -have collectively garnered over 1,800 signatures, reflecting widespread support for coexistence and reform.

Councillor Roy Zammataro, speaking strongly against breaking with legislation to follow the calls made in the Let Sleeping Dingoes Live petition at the last council meeting pointed out that of the 1161 signatories on the petition, only 144 came from Douglas Shire residents.

“The petition states Let Sleeping Dingoes Live… I agree they should live but not in a populated urban area,’’ he said.

The council agenda item stated council had received more than 30 formal complaints about dingoes in Port Douglas scavenging food at resorts, attacking pets and stalking people.