Conservation Canines
For centuries, dogs have played a key role in the lives of humans both as companions as well as working animals. In recent years, the value of dogs in environmental work has been documented in the literature—namely their ability to detect targets more efficiently than humans and equipment. However, the environmental work dogs perform in Canada has been largely understudied in terms of both the specific tasks they are responsible for, as well as their welfare within these roles. This chapter addresses those gaps through an exploration of whether conservation canines could be an example of a humane job—one that is good for people, animals, and the environment. To do so this chapter explores tangible and moral issues related to dogs’ enjoyment of and suffering within conservation work, highlighting the complexity of dogs’ work-lives related to issues of freedom and consent. Findings are presented from two main case studies: Alberta and Ontario. An ethogram was used to assess dog welfare, while semi-structured interviews and participant observations revealed further insights into dogs’ work and work-lives. Ultimately, this chapter offers a discussion regarding how the study’s findings might inform assessment of humane jobs and work-lives, offering enjoyment, control, agency, respect, and recognition for dogs in this sector and for possibilities of fostering interspecies solidarity in other areas.