Guard Dogs Reduce Killing of Threatened Species

Nov. 26, 2013 — Research from the University of Kent has revealed that guarding dogs can significantly reduce conflict between livestock and large carnivores, such as cheetahs or leopards, helping to reduce unwarranted killing of endangered species in South Africa.

In a paper published in Wildlife Society Bulletin, entitled "Perceived Efficacy of Livestock-Guarding Dogs in South Africa: Implications for Cheetah Conservation," researchers from the University's School of Anthropology and Conservation studied the effect guarding dogs have on the protection of farm animals across South Africa.

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MoD defends decision to put down 'William' guard dogs

The Ministry of Defence has defended a decision to put down two guard dogs used to protect the Duke of Cambridge, days after he left his military base.

The Sun reported the dogs were put down following Prince William's final shift as a search-and-rescue pilot at RAF Valley, in Anglesey, last week.

The MoD said it always tried to rehome dogs but that it had not been possible in this case.

The Dogs Trust charity said dogs were not "kit that can be decommissioned".

The patrol dogs were said to have been part of a unit providing extra security at RAF Valley and were not providing sole protection for the duke.

Belgian shepherd Brus was at the end of his working life and Blade, a German shepherd, had "behavioural issues", said the MoD.

'Last resort'

The duke started his training at RAF Valley in January 2009 and graduated as a search-and-rescue pilot in September 2010.

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