Broome Quarantine goes to the dogs

Australian Quarantine’s best-known face will be in Broome on Friday: not Steve Irwin, but quarantine detector dog Ruby.

Ruby, with handler Karen King, is visiting this weekend as part of Broome Quarantine Week 2005, which provides the perfect opportunity to teach people about the role of quarantine detector dogs — and to receive plenty of pats as part of the deal!

According to Karen, “Ruby was recruited by AQIS three years ago, having been donated by a family that couldn’t keep up with her naughty nature and tendency to eat everything. 

“Fortunately, problem pooches with those characteristics are usually perfect for our detector dog program.”

Ruby, now five, spent three months in training in Sydney before being sent to Western Australia to work with Karen.

“Ruby’s trained to find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products, plant material, eggs, birds, bees, reptiles and seeds,” says Karen.

“These are high risk quarantine items that could carry exotic pests or diseases into Australia and threaten our environment, way of life and agricultural exports — which are worth more than $30 million a year to our farmers and to rural communities.” 

At the end of a hard day’s work, Ruby relaxes at the quarantine kennels she shares with her four-legged AQIS colleagues.

Karen says, “Quarantine has 15 detector dogs working in Western Australia’s international and domestic airports and mail centres.

“Each dog works with just one handler, who’s responsible for ongoing training as well as the dog’s general care.”

While in Broome, Ruby and Karen will be screening interstate flights as well as putting in a special appearance at the Northwest Expo.

“The Expo provides a chance for people to meet and pat a detector dog,” Karen says. “Ruby will also be demonstrating her skills on the stage at 9.30 am on Saturday and Sunday.”

Media contact:

 Jen O’Reilly DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232

Interview and photo opportunities are available