Indigenous Animal Health Programme

Project Background:

There are over 600 remote Indigenous communities in Australia and most of these have significant dog populations. There are very few veterinary clinics here and most animals go without veterinary treatment.

As a way to fill the veterinary care gap and also to help improve animal welfare standards and education over the longer-term, IAHP has been granted unique access to communities on restricted land in two areas of Victoria, South Australia. In 2018 we developed a three year project plan to provide free health clinics until the end of 2021 and with the support of Dogs Trust Worldwide and the continued support from the University of Melbourne, we were able to commence at the start of 2019.

The core components of the project have been:

• Dog population survey - Carried out to enable the planning of a sterilisation programme and as an indicator of the success of the project.

• Free veterinary clinics - Including consultations, supply of veterinary medicine and emergency treatment and surgery, where needed.

• Dog population control management - Carrying out a dog sterilisation programme to manage the number of free-roaming dogs in the area and to help improve the health of the animals.

• Vaccination campaign - Providing a mass dog vaccination programme against parvovirus, distemper and infectious canine hepatitis.

• Parasite control - All dogs treated via the sterilisation or vaccination programmes are also provided with a monthly prescription to treat hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, fleas and ticks.

• Education campaign - Community educators work with local children and owners of animals to introduce a basic knowledge of animal welfare and responsible ownership principles.

With the completion of the three year plan and with very encouraging results for both animal health and overall population numbers, we are now working to expand the project into new areas of Australia, while continuing the free health clinics in the two original areas.

Our aim is to be delivering this service to as many Indigenous community animals as possible throughout the country. If you can help us achieve this, please contact us. From volunteering your time, to making a financial donation, every little bit helps the animals in need that would otherwise go without.