Northern Territory Dog Programs

In many remote Australian communities companion animal populations, particularly dogs, can become uncontrolled and problematic. Vet services in Indigenous communities are either unavailable or unaffordable and as a result the health of the dogs and ultimately the people who care for them, is suffering.

Historically, dog programs in Indigenous communities were enacted without consultation with the community, which led to culling measures to control populations. Programs run through Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) - an independent group of veterinarians, academics, health workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people –typically have a number of goals to bring long term benefits to the health of the animals and the community as a whole.

Controlling dog numbers through spay/neuter services.
Improving animal health and welfare through basic veterinary services.
Providing education related to animal health.
Providing feral animal control.

IFAW in partnership with AMRRIC have assisted with the creation of a vet manual for animal health professionals working in Indigenous communities. As well as being a veterinary guide, the manual’s aim is to help vets working in geographically remote parts of Australia, to overcome cultural complexities and incorporate a community based development approach to animal welfare.

Written by Dr Samantha Phelan, a Northern Territory-based veterinarian with significant field experience in remote Indigenous communities, Conducting Dog Health Programs in Indigenous Communities: a Veterinary Guide, is now acting as a resource for the Northern Territory and Queensland state and local governments in relation to their animal health programs.

The guide is web-based and free to AMRRIC members.

www.amrric.org

Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities www.amrric.org