Sebbi the Lord Howe Island detection dog trades nabbing rats for bagging naps in well-earned retirement

<p>Idyllic holiday destination declared rodent-free in 2023, a globally significant conservation milestone thanks in part to canine crew</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/sep/21/australia-news-live-anthony-albanese-donald-trump-new-york-sunday-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Rats once cowered at the sight of Sebbi’s floppy ears billowing in the wind.</p><p>For eight years the springer spaniel patrolled the picturesque beaches of Lord Howe Island, up volcanic peaks and down rugged trails, playing a crucial role in the island’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/26/survivors-or-intruders-rats-found-on-lord-howe-island-despite-22000-traps-and-40-tonnes-of-bait">monumental conservation efforts</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/21/sign-up-for-five-great-reads-guardian-australias-wrap-of-our-best-summer-stories">Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/21/sebbi-lord-howe-island-detection-dog-retirement-trades-nabbing-rats-for-bagging-naps">Continue reading...</a>