SYDNEY (dpa): Australian authorities have decided to cull a group of dingos believed to have been involved in the death of a Canadian backpacker earlier this week, citing Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell on Sunday.
A 19-year-old woman was found dead on a beach on K'gari island, northeastern Australia, early on January 19.
According to initial police findings, she may have gone for a swim shortly before.
ABC News reported that her body was surrounded by a pack of some 10 dingos when she was found. While it was later established that she was bitten, drowning was believed to be the most likely cause of death.
According to the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, the animals involved in the incident have since been observed displaying "some aggressive behaviour."
Powell said that this had led to the "tough decision to euthanise all dingoes involved in the incident."
Six animals have already been put down, with the remaining to be culled in the coming days, according to ABC News.
K'gari, also known by its former name Fraser Island, is located only a few kilometres off the Queensland coast and popular with tourists due to its white beaches and wildlife.
K'gari traditional owner group the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation told ABC News it was not consulted about the dingo cull.
Director Christine Royan said she was considering legal action over the move, noting that dingos are protected under the Conservation Act in Queensland's national parks. - dpa
