Dog People was an intiative of AMRRIC; an independent group of veterinarians, academics and community health workers. Formed in 1998, it works to coordinate, promote and advance the management of companion animals in Indigenous communities.

Useful links

Programme

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AMRRIC site

News

Vanstone launches conference

Stimulating programme

Keynote speakers

“They cherish these dogs. These dogs are of high value to them. Whitefellas have been going in and shooting dogs against the will of the people, and it causes amazing pain.”

Dr Trevor Cutter

Dialogue, care and respect

Human health, Indigenous public health and veterinary science are fully integrated in the work that AMRRIC performs. This work is carried out in a complex socio-cultural and political context, and relies on a large amount of expertise and good will carefully built up over many years.

AMRRIC has been successful in creating solid dialogue between Indigenous communities, regulatory bodies and health workers, both human and veterinary. Recent support from the federal government has greatly enhanced the work and, amongst other things, made the Dog People conference possible.

In the words of Amanda Vanstone, the former federal minister for Indigenous affairs:
“AMRRIC’s work includes education as much as it does treatment of symptoms. It involves a form of community partnership that the Government is keen to encourage in resolving the health and social challenges facing Indigenous communities.”

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 (mostly voluntary) with Indigenous communities and related health bodies for short programmes which include treatment, education and discussion of future strategies.

Dr Mark Lawrie, Chief Veterinarian with the RSPCA sums it up:
“It’s clear that Indigenous people really love their dogs and that healthy dogs can play an important role in the social health of communities. Through AMRRIC, we can train both professional and community members in the best ways of maintaining the health of animals and their communities.”

One key to sustainability is healthy, ongoing dialogue. It is essential to recognise and protect the right of the community to have control over animal health. It is critical that there is respectful exchange of wisdom; particularly with the elders and the dog people in the communities.

Dog People - building on success

We were very excited with the extraordinary success of our last major conference; 'A (better) Dog’s Life'. We were absolutely amazed with the success of Dog People (and deeply gratified) and hope that it will prepare the way for great progress in the future.

We are grateful to our sponsors for their help in making this conference possible

Dog People is an initiative of AMRRIC and we acknowledge the continuing support of the following:
The Honourable Mal Brough, federal minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Nigel Scullion, Senator for the Northern Territory