Sustainable dog programmes

The primary task that AMRRIC performs on a day-to-day basis is the coordination of dog programmes in remote Indigenous communities. This involves linking up veterinarians with Indigenous communities and related health bodies for short programmes which include treatment, education and discussion of future strategies. The effect of the dog programmmes is tangible, immediate and practical. It improves community health, empowers the indigenous community members, raises self-respect and provides a significant return on the money spent. This work addresses an expressed need in a manner which is culturally sensitive and agreed upon by all parties. If you want to make a difference in this field, please get involved; contact us now and start a discussion.

Dog Programmes - getting started

A remote community engages AMRRIC, the issues are defined and an approach is agreed upon, funding is secured, Vets are sourced and a dog programme is implemented. A strategy for the future is agreed upon by all the stakeholders and the programme is monitored as it progresses. Each community is different in terms of actual need, cultural tradition, facilities and political structures. Arrangements between local government, Vets and the Indigenous communities are made in an open market place environment, with the expectation that veterinary services will be paid for at an acceptable commercial rate rather than given as charity. This ensures ongoing availability of veterinary services and contributes to cost effectiveness and overall sustainability. In all of this, AMRRIC remains a facilitator. We don't provide any funds, medical supplies, accommodation etc. We do provide expert guidance, we make the necessary connections, we engage in advocacy and create various training and educational resources... in fact whatever is necessary necessary to help make sustainable dog programmes a reality for remote Indigenous communities across Australia. On the practical, everyday level, dog programmes can include the following: Speying, culling, medicating (fleas, worms, ticks, mites etc.), surgery (injury, dysfunction, disease etc.), dialogue (engaging with local people, issues, traditions, history etc.), education (behaviour, nutrition, medication etc.), learning (understanding traditional approaches), measurement (identifying and tracking KPIs etc.), strategy development(creating effective management models), options (chipping, registration, ownership management etc. are options for the communities but have limited application at present).