A group of dingoes discovered surrounding the deceased body of a young Canadian woman on an Australian beach will be euthanized, announced government officials on Saturday. Piper James, a 19-year-old from Campbell River, B.C., went for an early-morning swim on K’gari Island, off Australia’s east coast, and was later found by police surrounded by about 10 dingoes.
According to an online statement from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, initial autopsy results suggested that dingo bites were likely not the direct cause of James’s death. However, the statement mentioned that the pack of dingoes exhibited aggressive behavior, leading to their classification as a public safety risk.
The government confirmed that the dingoes involved in the incident would be humanely put down, a decision supported by Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell. Todd James, Piper’s father, expressed sorrow over the news and mentioned that a final autopsy report was pending.
Piper James had been traveling in Australia since October with a friend from the same town and had secured a job on K’gari, known for its dingo population. The island, the world’s largest sand island, attracts tourists and backpackers but also poses risks due to the presence of dingoes, as highlighted by the Queensland government.
Following her tragic death, beach camping areas have been closed, and ranger patrols on K’gari have been intensified. This incident is not the first involving dingoes on the island, with previous attacks reported, including a fatal incident in 2001. The community mourns the loss of James, described as a courageous young woman with aspirations of becoming a pilot, remembered fondly for her adventurous spirit and love for outdoor activities. The investigation into her death is ongoing, with the coroner awaiting further test results to determine the exact cause of death.