Tourists face Oz dingo attacks

2001-06-21 11:41

Brisbane, Australia - Tourists are at extreme risk of being attacked by wild dogs on a popular island off the coast of eastern Australia, according to a report presented on Thursday.

The Queensland state government commissioned a monthlong risk assessment of wild dogs, known as dingoes, following the fatal mauling of a 9-year-old Australian boy on Fraser Island.

It concluded that travellers camping at two sites on the island are in extreme danger of being attacked by the dogs, while another 16 sites are high or medium risk areas.

One of the grounds listed in the extreme risk category was Waddy Point, where 9-year-old Clinton Gage was attacked and killed by dingoes on April 30. His 7-year-old brother was also savaged but survived.

Rangers on the island were immediately given orders to shoot any dingoes found in the camping grounds. More than 30 of the islands' estimated 200 wild dogs have since been destroyed.

The report, presented to the Queensland state parliament, recommended more research be conducted into the risks of dingoes at the most dangerous sites.

"Given the history of dingo incidents and the numbers of people exposed it is recommended that a separate audit be conducted," the report said.

The report also recommended the state government consider restricting the number of visitors to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.

Despite the report, Queensland Environment Minister Dean Wells told state parliament he is confident the risks of dingo attacks at the resort are being managed.

"This report may have implications for tourism on Fraser Island if sensationalised," Wells said.

"I feel that I can confidently reassure ... the community generally and the tourism industry in particular that the decisive action taken by this government and private tourism business operators mean that the risks related to dingoes are being managed," he said.

- AP