'Ernie' the Dingo was euthanased by officers of the Scenic Rim Regional Council on May 1, 2012.
'Ernie' the Dingo was euthanased by officers of the Scenic Rim Regional Council because he was deemed to be a 'wild dog' and not a protected Australian native animal species.
When asked about the reasoning behind the killing of 'Ernie', a Council Spokesperson said:
"Council and Queensland Police had received complaints from both residents and tourists regarding a wild dog at Tamborine Mountain."
"The animal in question was observed by Rangers over a period of time and it's behaviour and location raised concerns for public safety.
"The dangers of wild dogs interacting with humans is well documented."
"Under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002, wild dogs are a Class 2 declared pest and it is an offense to feed or keep them.
"The animal was destroyed on 1 May 2012 by Council Rangers in line with legislation."
The responses from our readers to the Council's actions are typified by a letter to the Daily Star by Sue McDonald.
"I was shocked and saddened to read of Ernie being euthanased. A threat?"
"What a joke, I took these photos of Ernie at the lookout on the 29th April. Does he look as though he is about to attack?
"He was delightful, playing around, surveying his home.
"The person who decided he was a 'wild dog' disgusts me, and many other residents on the mountain. What will be next?
"One of those ferocious Koala bears? Or maybe one of those pretty-face, destructive, wild wallabies.
"Of course ALL our NATIVE species should be protected."