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Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
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- Byron Vale (Minister Tehan’s Office) 0428 262 894
- Defence Media (02) 6127 1999
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15 January 2017
Australian families are helping keep Australia safe by fostering military puppies.
Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan today paid tribute to the families that foster RAAF military dogs as this week 10 puppies were placed with foster families.
Last year, 95 puppies were born as part of the RAAF military dog breeding program at RAAF Amberley and 76 were placed in foster care.
“The puppies are cute now but when they grow up they will have important jobs, such as military working dogs or explosives detection dogs with RAAF and Army,” Mr Tehan said.
“Before they are old enough to start training, the puppies are cared for by generous, volunteer foster families.
“Dogs have made valuable contributions to Australia’s defence over a long period of time and we are grateful for their service.”
From 8–12 weeks of age the puppies go out into the community on weekend home-stays. From 12 weeks to seven months the dogs go into a full-time foster-care arrangement to socialise with families.