Mussel-sniffing dog new weapon in arsenal to prevent spread of invasive species

PENTICTON – With the spectre of invasive mussels moving ever closer to the British Columbia border every year, the province recently announced new measures to address the threat.

A free public forum on the subject is being hosted by the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society on Tuesday, April 25 at Okanagan College in Penticton.

Cindy Sawchuk is a dog handler with the Alberta Ministry of Environment and Parks. She will be on hand to speak about the importance of collaborative efforts between jurisdictions and the Conservation K-9 program in Alberta.

Sawchuk will be accompanied by Hilo, a trained mussel-sniffing dog.

In Alberta, mussel-sniffing dogs have been trained to help spot problem boats and watercraft as they are entering the province.

The nearby state of Montana has recently increased its investment to contain invasive mussels from $1.2 to more than $5 million a year.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and presentations start at 7:15 p.m.

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