Dog patrols to scare away seagulls swooping on Sydney restaurant diners have been a success, with the patrol winning a repeat contract.
Border collies and kelpies have been used to shoo seagulls at the Sydney Opera House for four years. Photo: Supplied/ Instagram Mad Dogs & Englishmen
The birds are a problem on the restaurant strip of the Sydney Opera House, but have been on the run since dogs patrols started.
Dog training company Mad Dogs and Englishmen have been contracted to maintain the patrols for more than four years using 12 specially trained border collies and kelpies.
Owner and dog trainer James Webb said the dogs have been working at the lower concourse seven days a week during peak dining times.
"Financially it pays for itself because of the amount of money the restaurants save," Webb said.
The seagull patrol dogs have been specially trained for the job, and are a hit with people. Photo: Supplied/ Mad Dogs & Englishmen
"The dogs love it, and we've refined our training over the years to where it is now."
Webb was awarded a further two years on the contract to continue the patrols, totalling $376,380 split between the Opera House, Opera Bar, and Opera Kitchen.
Australian opposition minister for arts Walt Secord said the amount is "ludicrous".
"My dog would do it for free.
"In these tough economic times, it's tough for the government to get behind $400,000 to shoo away seagulls. It's about the extravagant expenditure."
An Opera House statement said the dog patrols are at no cost to taxpayers, costing the venue $65,000 a year.
"It's a nominal percentage of commercial revenue that greatly improves the experience of our visitors, reduces refunds, food wastage, and staffing costs," the statement said.
And diners couldn't be more supportive of the program.
"It's unusual and unique and you see dogs doing all sorts of things, but I've never seen a dog trained to chase seagulls. It's fascinating and I think it's awesome," one diner said.
Another diner told the ABC: "Last time I came here, me and my mum came to eat and we were attacked by birds and we had to leave because I couldn't deal because it was really bad.
"So at least with the dogs here it's better for everyone, so they can actually enjoy their food."
Previous attempts to scare away birds at the popular spot include mechanical hawks and food covers, but the dogs have been the biggest success. Photo: Supplied/ Mad Dogs & Englishmen
The dog training company was first approached by the Opera House to conduct a trial patrol in 2018, and it was found to be a success.
"No one was doing it with trained dogs.
"We had a trial for a day and found it was great to keep them away while we are there - when we leave, the seagulls come back in force," Webb said.
-ABC