The Labrador Station

26/08/2025

Sniffing out crime, one paw at a time - Happy International Dog Day!

Where would we be without our Dog Operations Unit?

From late night chases to community engagement, our four-legged friends work hard to keep SA safe!

21/08/2025

Why Leaving Dog Hair Out for Birds' Nests Is a Bad Idea

You may have heard that leaving dog hair outside helps birds build cozy nests—but it’s not as helpful (or safe) as it sounds. Here's why:

1) ENTANGLEMENT RISK
Dog hair can be strong, and stretchy—especially from breeds with thick undercoats. Nestlings or adult birds can easily get tangled in it, cutting off circulation or even causing death. It's a heartbreaking, preventable danger.

2) CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
Many dogs are treated with flea and tick medications (even “natural” ones), and residues can linger on their fur. These chemicals can be toxic to birds, especially vulnerable hatchlings.

💡 Better Alternatives
If you want to help birds during nesting season, offer native plant material (like dried grasses and small twigs)

Nature is fragile. A kind gesture can unintentionally cause harm—let's be mindful of the ways we support our wild neighbors!

02/08/2025

23/07/2025

Queen Amy has returned home to the station after a lovely holiday away at the palace. Thank you for giving in to her whims

29/06/2025

After being dognapped from his Payneham home, Alfredo the Maremma has tucked into a well-deserved bowl of pasta.

The three-year-old sheepdog was found at a Trinity Gardens home - a 53-year-old woman has now been charged.

Story: https://tinyurl.com/4mkvxvrd

26/06/2025

PUPDATE: Alfredo has been located safe and well
Just before 8am today, police were called to a Trinity Gardens property after reports Alfredo the three-year-old Maremma sheepdog was located.
A 53-year-old woman from the property was arrested and has been charged with possession of a stolen dog.
It is expected she will appear in court at a later date.
Police would like to thank the community for their assistance in the matter.

05/06/2025

It’s certainly Winter and the wildlife are struggling to keep warm. There’s been several reports of possums found in car engines in the mornings. If you keep your car outside please consider putting a cover on your car overnight, and checking the engine bays before starting it in the morning. A trouble light under the bonnet, and napthalene flakes or contained in a jar or container with holes drilled into the lid, or moth balls or spraying a rag with oil of cloves or white king, will discourage them. Remove these before driving off in the morning. Installing possum boxes in your trees on the Eastern side, 3m up and not in a fork to prevent cat harassment, will give the possums somewhere to shelter.
(There’s also an interview on ABC radio this afternoon about how to help our wildlife through this tough cold period. )

20/05/2025

Post swim selfie

26/04/2025

13/04/2025

These lids from jams and baby foods are just the right size for starting young possum joeys to lap formulas and purées. If you could collect clean lids for them I would be grateful. They can be left in the aviary or post locker at anytime. Thankyou Bev. 👌👏🙏

01/04/2025