Vic: Mayor to present dung beetle award at dog festival

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2000
Vic: Mayor to present dung beetle award at dog festival

By Martin Heymann

MELBOURNE, April 7 AAP - An award dedicated to a tiny, dog poo eating beetle will be
awarded to a dog owner deemed most responsible in Melbourne this weekend.

The dung beetle is being honoured for its role in Port Phillip council's "unending
war against dog poo."

Port Phillip's mayor, Julian Hill, is so taken back by the beetles, he has composed
an ode to them which will accompany the presentation of the award.

According to the Lost Dog's Home, since dung beetles were introduced to Port Phillip
parks 18 months ago, there has been a two-thirds decrease in dog waste littering the municipality.

"Dung beetles are no bigger than the nail on my little finger but they dutifully attack
dog poo of all shapes and sizes and bury it underground," Cr Hill said in a statement.

The winner of the award will receive their own beaded dung beetle, created by local
artist Elizabeth James.

The Dung Beetle Award will only be one event at the Dog Festival, being held over the
weekend at Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park.

Over the weekend, Kevin Harrington, "Kev" from ABC's SeaChange, will officiate at a
dog wedding, while dogs not so ready for commitment can consult an astrologer about their
relationships.

The Dog Film Festival will give dogs looking for entertainment the chance to see films
like Bonza, Pat and Eddie at Gasworks Arts Park.

Free vet advice, dog washing services, microchipping and dog product stalls will also
be at the festival.

The Dog Festival is sponsored by VicHealth, and is an event of the Melbourne International
Comedy Festival.

AAP stu/jlw/bdm

KEYWORD: DOGS

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