Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is thrilled to have met the UK’s first Island Biosecurity Dog today, who has been tasked with a special mission to protect Wales’ seabirds.

Jinx is a three-year-old working cocker spaniel. He has been in training with RSPB for the last two years to sniff out rats, an invasive species which when left undisturbed can cause devastation to already threatened seabird species.

Working with their partners Biosecurity for LIFE, RSPB Cymru provided an opportunity for Members of the Senedd and their support staff to meet Jinx today and to watch a demonstration of him in action.   

Speaking afterwards, Darren said:

“It was lovely to meet Jinx, the UK’s first Island Biodiversity Dog, and to hear about the great work he will be doing to protect vulnerable seabird populations across Wales.  

“Conservation detection dogs (CDDs) are used on islands the world over in invasive species eradications and to help with island biosecurity. Here in the UK, they have only recently started to utilise this high precision ‘active’ detection tool in this work.

“Wales’ coastline is globally important for breeding seabirds and it is vital that we protect them in any way we can.

“Jinx will play an instrumental role in this work and I thank him, Biosecurity LIFE and RSPB Cymru for all that they are doing on this agenda.”  

Senior Marine Policy Officer, RSPB Cymru, Emily Williams said:

“We are delighted that Jinx will be continuing his work on biosecurity through this new project, which builds upon the work of Biosecurity for LIFE. Biosecurity is a vital element of seabird conservation, at a time when seabirds need our help more than ever. Coupled with the developing welsh seabird conservation strategy and marine environmental planning, we can turn the tide for seabirds in Wales.”