BRISBANE / VANCOUVER (CP) — Australian authorities say a pack of dingoes found around the body of a young Canadian woman on a remote island beach will be humanely euthanized after being deemed a public safety risk.
The family of Piper James, a 19-year-old from Campbell River, B.C., said she went for an early-morning swim on Monday on K’gari, a World Heritage-listed island off Australia’s east coast. Her body was discovered shortly afterward on the beach.
Queensland police said the body was found surrounded by — and “interfered with” by — a pack of approximately 10 dingoes, a wild dog species native to Australia.
In a statement released Saturday, Queensland’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism said preliminary autopsy findings indicate that dingo bites were likely not the immediate cause of death. However, officials said rangers monitoring the animals since the incident have observed increasingly aggressive behaviour.
“Based on the pack’s involvement in the incident, subsequent behaviour, and public safety considerations, this group of dingoes has been deemed an unacceptable risk,” the ministry said, adding that the animals involved will be humanely euthanized.
Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell acknowledged the decision was difficult but necessary.
“This tragedy has deeply affected Queenslanders and touched people around the world,” Powell said. “While this is a tough call, it is the right one for public safety.”
Family responds as investigation continues
Piper’s father, Todd James, said in a brief social media post that the decision was “simply sad and heart-wrenching,” noting that a final autopsy report has yet to be released.
The family has said a traditional smoke ceremony will be held in Australia in Piper’s honour, and they hope to attend. Her remains are expected to be returned to Canada next week. A GoFundMe campaign to support the family had raised more than $20,000 as of Saturday.
Piper had been travelling through Australia since October with a friend from Campbell River and had recently found work on K’gari, a popular destination for backpackers and tourists.
Safety measures tightened on K’gari
K’gari, the world’s largest sand island, is known for its population of dingoes. The Queensland government regularly warns visitors to remain “dingo safe,” urging people not to feed or approach the animals.
Following Piper’s death, two beach camping areas have been closed until the end of February, and ranger patrols on the island have been increased.
The island has seen several serious dingo incidents over the years, including a fatal attack on a child in 2001. Authorities say they continue to balance wildlife conservation with visitor safety.
Cause of death under review
A preliminary assessment released earlier this week indicated evidence consistent with drowning, along with injuries sustained before death. The Coroners Court of Queensland said it is awaiting full pathology results to determine the official cause of death, a process expected to take several weeks.
Friends and family remember Piper James as adventurous and full of life, with an infectious laugh and dreams of becoming a pilot.