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Some problems of dog health and control in Aboriginal and Islander Communities in North Queensland
Summary
Discusses the history of indigenous Australians' relationship with dogs, the problems caused by dogs on indigenous communities and the difficulties encountered when running a Dog Health Programme.
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The Aboriginal and Islander communities of Cape York Peninsula have dog populations averaging one dog per 5.26 people, not much higher than the Queensland average of one dog per six people. The community dogs however, are largely unrestrained and unfed. They therefore comprise a pariah population causing a range of nuisance problems. Because of bad environmental conditions and poor human health in the communities, there is much concern about some diseases being spread from dogs to people. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries is helping overcome these problems with dog health and contraception programmes. Dealing with Aboriginals living in these communities requires patience and understanding.
