Rangers on K’gari (Fraser Island) have made a disturbing discovery – a dead dingo found with its head deliberately removed after being hit by a car.
The gruesome incident occurred on June 1 at Ngkala Rocks on the eastern side of the island, north of Waddy Point.
An independent veterinary examination confirmed that the dingo had died from a suspected vehicle strike and was then deliberately decapitated.
The Investigation Continues
Principal program officer Robert Black told the ABC that a car travelling at speeds of 60 or 80 km/h would cause serious injuries to any animal being struck.
Black urged anyone with information to come forward, adding that rangers were unable to locate the dingo’s head.
“All that we know at this point in time is that the animal was decapitated … we don’t know if (the head) is still in their possession,” he told the outlet.
Protected Species
Dingoes are a protected native species in Queensland National Parks under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
The maximum penalty for wilfully killing a protected animal on K’gari is $483,900 or two years’ imprisonment.
The same penalty applies to the taking of parts of a deceased protected animal from K’gari.
Rangers Urge Caution
Rangers at K’gari have cautioned visitors against reckless driving on the island and to be vigilant for any dingoes along the beach.