Detector dog Reggie set to sniff out cane toads

• New specially trained detector dog to sniff out 'hitchhiker' cane toads, part of the Liberal National Government's Cane Toad Strategy 2009-19

• Importance of Reggie's role highlighted after cane toad discovery in East Perth

A new detector dog being specially trained to sniff out noxious cane toads is set to boost Western Australia's fight against the feral species.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob today met Reggie - a springer spaniel - whose important role in detection of the pest was highlighted this week after a cane toad was discovered in the backyard of an East Perth home.

It is not known how the cane toad reached the suburb and following the discovery, officers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife searched the area and delivered information brochures, warning people to be on alert in case other toads were in the area.

"This incident is an important reminder that while the scourge of cane toads is mainly a problem in the Kimberley, even people in Perth need to be aware of the invasive species," Mr Jacob said.

"People who find a suspected cane toad need to isolate the animal and report the sighting to the department's Cane Toad Hotline as soon as possible. People should not try to kill the suspected cane toad because it may turn out to be a native frog.

"People can also use the free Cane Toad App that I launched last year to distinguish between cane toads and harmless native frogs."

Reggie is undergoing the last few weeks of his training before starting work with the Department of Parks and Wildlife inspecting high priority freight.

"The most likely way cane toads will reach the South-West is through being undetected on vehicles, so Reggie's role in sniffing them out will be a significant one. He will be used as a proactive quarantine measure and will be deployed mainly to inspect trucks in the Kimberley for 'hitchhiker' cane toads," the Minister said.

Mr Jacob said springer spaniels had been identified as an ideal breed for cane toad detection because of their acute sense of smell, high energy levels and ability to act on command.

The Minister said Reggie was one of a range of measures implemented as part of the Cane Toad Strategy for Western Australia 2009-19.

"The Liberal National Government has invested $7.8million in research and on-ground activities to help control the spread of invasive cane toads since 2008," he said.

Fact File

• People who find a suspected cane toad should call the Cane Toad Hotline on 1800 44 WILD (9453) as soon as possible

• Reggie replaces the original detector dog, Nifty, which retired in 2011

Minister's office - 6552 5800