(ii) ABSTRACT The hypothesis central to this study is that distinctly Aboriginal patterns of relationship between humans and dogs are still evident in contemporary Aboriginal groups. The relationship's sociological characteristics in traditional and contemporary settings and its implications for canine and human health are also investigated. Field research employing survey, quantitative observation and specimen analysis techniques was conducted in 9 Western Australian Aboriginal groups of various backgrounds and settings. Results were compared to historic-traditional accounts and dog ownership studies in non-aboriginal groups. Traditionally dogs served Aboriginals most importantly for supernatural protection and to assist the collection of small game by women. In non-isolated groups, traditional utilitarian motives were superseded by the Western concept of dogs as companions. Demographically, the Aboriginal dog populations surveyed were relatively large, and most dogs were classified as medium sized non-descript cross-breds. Dogs were more commonly owned by adult and aged individuals, rather than by family units as is the Western cultural norm. Most dogs remained with their original owner and retained their original name for life. Traditional values of respect towards dogs were compromised to the discriminatory care of higher status animals only, effecting selection pressure against undesirable dogs, particularly females. Similarly, while many aged people were opposed to culling, most
(iii) respondents regarded community pup production as excessive and accepted culling as necessary. Nevertheless prevention was the preferred option, with strong support for the previously unfamiliar concept of ovariohysterectomy. Pups were raised in some respects like children in the traditional manner, indulgence giving way in adulthood to expectations of self-reliance rather than obedience. Most dogs were in good physical and psychological condition, though more likely to be afflicted by sarcoptic mange than other Australian dogs. Other parasites occurred at or below expected frequencies. Close physical contact with dogs coupled with favourable microclimates allowed ample opportunity for transmission of canine zoonoses, but the actual risk to human health remains poorly documented.
(xxi) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS For his interest, patience and support through all stages of this work I am gratefully indebted to my supervisor Professor W T Clark. I also extend my thanks to my associate supervisor Dr J Kearins of the Psychology Department at the University of Western Australia for her specialist advice and expertise, particularly with respect to the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary aspects of the study. The excellent technical support freely given by the parasitology and biochemistry department staff at the School of Veterinary Studies, and laboratory staff at the CSIRO and State Health Laboratories during the experimental stages of this work are gratefully acknowledged. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, Canberra, generously assisted during the historical research component of the work. Thanks are also due to the many individuals whose advice contributed to this work (see Bibliography) and to M Kaspy who gave indsipensible logistic support during the field research stages of the study. Special mention must be made of the co-operation and generosity shown by the participants in the 9 Aboriginal groups who allowed themsleves to be the objects of my study, and without which it could not have been completed. I hope that this work contributed in some way to improving the understanding and management of Aboriginal-dog relationships. Finally I extend my thanks to Mrs G Goodwin for her untiring help in shaping this dissertation.