Dogs on patrol deter swooping seagulls from snack theft at Sydney Opera House

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Category: Human Interest

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. seagull / ˈsiˌgʌl / (n.) – a common gray and white bird with long wings and short legs that lives near the sea or ocean
    Example:

    You can always hear the loud cries of seagulls near the fish market.


  2. herd / hɜrd / (v.) – to gather, direct, or move a group of animals together in a specific direction
    Example:

    The farmer is practicing with his puppy, herding farm animals around the yard.


  3. creep / krip / (v.) – to move slowly, quietly, and carefully to avoid being noticed or heard
    Example:

    The lion stays low to the ground to creep through the tall grass toward its target.


  4. keep (somebody/something) on their toes / kip ɒn ðɛər toʊz / (idiom) – to make someone or something pay attention and stay ready for quick changes by doing unexpected things
    Example:

    New customers bring fresh challenges that keep the sales team on their toes.


  5. gimmick / ˈgɪm ɪk / (n.) – an unusual trick or idea used to attract people's attention or interest, but having little real value or practical use
    Example:

    Critics argued that the company’s low price promise was just an advertising gimmick, as hidden fees made the final cost much higher.


Article

Read the text below.

It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but swooping seagulls are a familiar frustration for anyone trying to enjoy a meal by Sydney Harbour. Now, working farm dogs best known for herding sheep are being trained to use those same instincts to keep hungry seagulls at bay.


At the request of Sydney’s Opera Bar, dog trainer James Webb developed a specialized program that teaches working dogs to deter seagulls. “It’s really become like a science, how we do it,” says Webb of the Seagull Patrol.


The program is harnessing the dogs’ natural herding instincts. “The reward is getting to chase the seagulls, so we get dogs that just love doing it, and then we work backwards with training from there,” explains Webb.


The dogs are trained to anticipate the birds’ movements, making them an effective and humane way to discourage unwanted visitors.


“If we keep doing the same thing, the seagulls will just watch us walk up and down and they’ll help themselves to food when the dogs not there, so we have to be a bit sneaky, so we get the dogs to creep up, we might get them to bark at them or appear when they’re not expecting it and just keep the seagulls on their toes,” says Webb.


The program has expanded to as many as five locations, including Melbourne’s Federation Square, and the dogs have also been brought in at the new Sydney Fish Market.


“There was skepticism about whether they would be successful or a gimmick. Since we’ve had the dogs, the feedback from everybody is tremendous,” says Tanya Lambert of the Sydney Fish Market.


There are now 35 dogs trained for the role, with each working no more than a single four-hour shift each week. Known collectively as the “Seagull Patrol,” they’re working dogs on duty but ordinary family pets once they head home with their owners.


Customers have welcomed the initiative, praising the seagull-free dining experience. “Fantastic job, I haven’t got any sign of seagull on me, haven’t seen one since I’ve been here,” says Peter, a restaurant patron.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • In your country, in what public places do you encounter wild animals? Do people experience problems with them, or are they able to live peacefully together? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • The article mentions that swooping seagulls frequently steal food from people eating near Sydney Harbour. Why do you think wild animals in cities become so bold around human food? Do you think this behavior is just normal, or is it right for people to find ways to deter them? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The article mentions that a trainer teaches working dogs to use their natural instincts to deter seagulls. What do you think about using trained dogs as a solution for this problem? Do you think this method would work well in other public places, or could it cause new problems? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Where do you usually see working dogs in your country? Are you comfortable seeing them around helping and working in public places? Why or why not? If trained dogs like the “Seagull Patrol” were brought to outdoor restaurants in your area, how do you think people would react? Discuss.