Most wild dogs killed across rural Australia are pure dingoes, DNA research says

Wild dogs and dingoes are still seen as synonymous in outback Australia, though studies indicate most wild dogs are actually pure dingoes. Photograph: Robin Smith/Getty Images

Angus Emmott counted 19 dogs strung up by their tails on four trees within 50 metres of the main tourist road between Winton and Lark Quarry in western Queensland, their golden coats set off against a clear blue sky.

Last week, the grazier received test results confirming the animals he spotted hanging on a single evening in May 2021 were pure dingo, not wild dog hybrids.