Dog-loving volunteer foster carers are being sought in Melbourne for the next generation of Australian Border Force (ABF) Detector Dogs.
The ABF said the Detector Dog Program played a crucial role in its enforcement capability at Australia’s borders.
“Working in a range of environments across the country, they are routinely tasked to search luggage, parcels, mail, air and sea cargo, cargo containers, vessels, vehicles, aircraft, structures and people,” the ABF said.
“The ABF Detector Dog Foster Carer Program allows individuals and families to enjoy the rewarding experience of raising a working dog while making a significant contribution to community protection.”
It said that to become a foster carer volunteers needed to be 18 years or older and live in the Melbourne area.
“The ABF will cover all costs associated with caring for the pup, including food, veterinary needs and equipment while also providing expert advice and training,” the ABF said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has announced that the last biosecurity beagle on the Australian mainland has retired.
Head of Biosecurity Operations with DAWR, Nico Padovan said the Department’s last beagle, Andy, was retiring from Adelaide International Airport after almost nine years of service.
He said the beagles were being replaced with labradors, which are larger and more agile and can flexibly adapt to diverse environments, working across airports, mail centres, seaports and courier depots.
“We are very proud of the legacy our beagles are now entrusting to our labrador teams,” Mr Padovan said.
“Andy is retiring back to Sydney where he will live with his original handler, and travellers will now see Ari the Labrador following his nose around Adelaide airport,” he said.
Information about how to apply to become a foster carer can be accessed on the Home Affairs website at this PS News link.
