Minister for Home Affairs media release

Raise a pup and protect Australia - 30 May 2010

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor is calling on a hundred Melburnians to do their bit to protect Australia – by raising a puppy.

The Customs and Border Protection Puppy Foster Carer Scheme breeds and trains Labradors for use by Customs and Border Protection, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Army, Air Force and Australian correctional services.

Under the scheme, a family or individual can raise a Labrador puppy at minimal cost and then see it become part of the nation’s important law and order workforce.

“A puppy can make a house a home and raising a pet is a great learning experience for children.

“The expense of raising the puppy is covered by Customs and Border Protection – making this an affordable option for many families and individuals,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The foster scheme means that when the puppy is about a year old it will venture out into the world and start training for the law and order workforce, but that suits many people who don’t want to commit to a pet for life,” he said.

Many puppies have recently been born or are expected to arrive soon and Customs and Border Protection is looking for about 100 new homes to care for the Labrador puppies.

Households are required to host a pup from the age of eight weeks to about 12 months. The dogs are then assigned to a detector dog handler within Customs and Border Protection or another Australian law enforcement agency.

“Labradors are ideal for this work because of their focus, versatility, temperament and strong hunt-and-retrieve drive.

“They are truly delightful puppies and they will later be trained to do important work to help protect Australians.”

Customs and Border Protection provides all the food, veterinary needs, equipment, expert advice and training. In return, carers provide a safe home for the pup and also get them used to the sights, sounds and smells of their urban or suburban environments.

Since 1996, Customs and Border Protection has bred more than 1500 dogs.

To become a puppy foster carer call Customs and Border Protection on 1800 664 106.

Media Adviser: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@ag.gov.au