DRUG SNIFFER DOGS TO CATCH OUT TEENAGERS

SNIFFER dogs could be the latest line of defence in the war on teenage drug
use.

The dogs would be used to sniff out drugs, including ecstasy, heroin,
cocaine and marijuana, in teenagers' bedrooms.

They could also be used by schools to detect drugs at social functions and
as a deterrent.

Drew Hyland, spokesman for the company offering the dogs, ESI Protective
Services, said he was positive there was a market for his service.

"How many parents have not turned out their kid's bedroom to make sure
there's not something in there that shouldn't be there?" Mr Hyland asked.
"This is just a more technical way of doing that."

But the use of sniffer dogs has drawn criticism from health and education
authorities, who say parents should be talking to their children about drug
use rather than trying to catch them out.

The move to use dogs comes as parents show they are prepared to go to
extremes to ensure their teens stay away from drugs.

One third of teenagers have used illicit drugs, according to the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare.

Some parents are paying up to $2000 to have private investigators trail
their teenagers, while others have paid security firms to patrol private
parties and search guests.

Schools have also cracked down on drug use, with some elite schools
conducting random drug tests and expelling those who refuse to take them.

Mr Hyland, who has supplied sniffer dog services to government agencies and
private companies, said he was not trying to catch criminals.

"We're not trying to catch druggies," he said.

"We're there to help parents that are truly concerned for their children."

Youth Substance Abuse Service executive officer David Murray did not believe
using dogs would be effective.

"I can't imagine bringing a dog into the family home, and I have teenage
children, to sniff out drugs," he said.

"If parents or schools want to explore whether their children are using
drugs they need to do it in terms of discussion."

Australian Drug Foundation chief executive Bill Stronach said using dogs to
sniff out drugs could make the situation worse.

"The important thing is for parents and kids to have a level of trust so
they can communicate," Mr Stronach said.

"To send the dogs in is really going to destroy any chance of getting
positive outcomes."

Parents would pay less than $100 to hire a dog to search their home.

Schools would be charged by the hour.

Mr Hyland said he was compiling a list of drug support services so parents
would know where to seek help if his dogs sniffed out drugs.

While Sydney-based, Mr Hyland said he was prepared to travel to Melbourne if
his services were required. He is hoping to take the idea Australia-wide.

Melissa Arch, spokeswoman for Victorian Education Minister Lynne Kosky, said
the Government would not support the use of sniffer dogs in schools.

"The Government believes the best approach is a pro-active one that prevents
young people from turning to drugs," Ms Arch said.

Caroline Anderson, spokeswoman for the Victorian Parents' Council, which
represents independent schools, said she could understand why the dogs were
in demand.

But their use in schools would have to be in consultation with parents.