Wild Dogs In Cooloola

Wild dogs are ever-present in the Gympie region and while the number of sightings in urban areas is low, Gympie Regional Council is again reminding residents in the Cooloola Coast, in particular the Tin Can Bay region, to continue practicing wild dog safety.

Wild dogs in our area are not unusual. However, due to an increase in visitors to the region recently, Council want to emphasise responsibility for personal safety.

Council is monitoring the situation carefully and working with state department land managers to consider control measures in the coming months.

Council would like to remind residents and visitors that wild dogs (dingo, hybrid dingo) are declared pest animals on the mainland, and although they can look a bit like a domestic dog, they have the potential to be dangerous to humans and pets.

What you can do to reduce the chances of an encounter with a wild dog:

• Keep children close and not let them walk or play unaccompanied in bushland areas.
• Keep pets on leads at all times when out on a walk.
• Dogs attract dogs. During this period of known wild dog activity, you may consider walking your dogs in another area of town rather than the Toolara Rd foreshore area
• Practice responsible pet ownership by containing your pets to your property; this will reduce the risk of an attack.
• Do not leave food or scraps out where they can access it.
• Do not feed wild dogs as this will attract them to the area – it is also an offence!

For further information and safety tips on wild dogs/dingoes please visit parks.des.qld.gov.au and search for Be Dingo Safe.

Report concerning behaviour/incidents to council on 1300 307 800.