Action needed on "menacing" wild dogs
Port Douglas Dingoes
Port Douglas resident Libby Klinger has raised concern about dingoes “lurking” and “menacing” her Wharf Street home, saying action needs to be taken by authorities before there are any dangerous incidents.
The letter, sent to Newsport at the weekend, suggests the dingoes have already raised interest in the family’s domestic dogs.
“Yet again, last night (Friday) these two dingoes were lurking across the road from our house in Wharf Street as we returned at 9:00pm,’’ the letter says.
“We have lived here for over 30 years and it is only recently that we have been menaced by these dogs.
“On a previous occasion they chased my daughter’s border collies as they were about to get into the car in our driveway.
“Dogs have to be on a lead when outside owner’s premises. Why wild dogs can roam unchecked defies logic.
“I am tired of the call that ‘it’s OK because they are native/wild animals’. Yes they are and should NOT be roaming urban areas.
“Please do something now to avoid any incidents at a later date.’’
Douglas Shire Council conducts a selective inspection program targeting regulated dogs to ensure owners are meeting the requirements under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and that dogs are being kept in a safe and compliant manner.
The program also aims to educate regulated dog owners about their responsibilities and support them in maintaining appropriate enclosures, signage, and control measures.
While officers may be able to complete inspections without entering a property, section 111 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 provides ‘Powers of Entry’ for authorised persons under an approved inspection program.