Sniffer Dogs on the Hunt for Invasive Weed in Port Stephens

newy.com.au – Two highly trained sniffer dogs, Daisy and Henry, are helping Port Stephens Council crews track down the invasive weed Chinese Violet, making weed detection faster and more efficient.

Natural Systems Coordinator Kate Drinan highlighted the benefits of this unique initiative, explaining that the dogs are instrumental in spotting small plants that are often missed by the human eye. “Chinese Violet is a significant issue in Port Stephens, and our goal is to locate and eradicate it as quickly as possible,” Ms Drinan said.

Once the dogs detect the weed, council teams step in to either spray or remove it manually, ensuring continued monitoring of affected areas. “It can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, particularly in dense bushland. These dogs will help us narrow our focus and improve our efficiency,” Ms Drinan added.

Daisy, a cocker spaniel, and Henry, a border collie, have undergone rigorous training for their role. Indago Environmental Director and Dog Handler Naiomi Finlayson, who works closely with the pair, says they thrive on the challenge. “I take them out into the bush and ask them to find Chinese Violet. Once they detect it, they indicate its location, and we report it back to Council,” Ms Finlayson explained.

She added that the dogs are rewarded for their work with treats, praise, and even a swim at the end of a successful day.

Over the next two days, the team will be scouring key areas in Port Stephens to help monitor and manage the spread of Chinese Violet.

For more information on the council’s efforts to control the weed, visit pscouncil.info/chinese-violet-weed.