Canine safety drill gives travellers paws for thought

23 March 2006

LIZ McKINNON

NEVILLE Williams and his talented team of canines are helping ensure the safety of Warrnambool's V/Line passengers heading to the Commonwealth Games this week.

A dedicated group of 30 K9 teams and security guards are working with train staff throughout the state, the dogs carrying out scent detection of bags until Sunday.

Mr Williams' border collie Dakota and German shepherd Mako have maintained watchful eyes and sensitive noses on the hundreds of passengers boarding the train at the Warrnambool station each day.

"The dogs are being used as a preventative measure,'' Mr Williams said.

"They are all trained for obedience and educating. They can be used for multiple roles.''

The dogs were trained by Mr Williams, who has been working in the industry for 35 years.

He said training a dog early was important for its full development.

"A dog can usually find a target odour within five days and can be certified in about 14 weeks, Mr Williams said.

"Depending on the dog they can be trained up to six to seven hours per day.''

Meanwhile, V/Line is encouraging travellers to take advantage of $10 return tickets during the Games. V/Line communications and media manager Dionne Lew said tickets were selling fast.

"There will be no parking at major Games venues in Melbourne and public transport will be much busier than usual during the Games.

We recommend people book their tickets, be patient and plan ahead to help make their Games commute as smooth as possible,'' Ms Lew said.

This article was first published in the Warrnambool Standard.

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