A Group of Very Good Dogs Is Helping to Keep the Sydney Opera House's Restaurants Seagull-Free

A harbourside meal by the Sydney Opera House might come with some pretty sensational views, but we all know it's also likely to score you a bit of unwanted attention. If you've ever had a wining and dining experience blighted by a thieving seagull, you'll be happy to know that someone's come up with a very cute way to keep the birds at bay.

The Opera House has deployed a very cuddly crew of Seagull Patrol Dogs, which has been warding off winged visitors from both Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen as part of a month-long January trial.

The seagull situation has proved a serious head-scratcher for the Opera House over the past decade, with everything from noise deterrents to wire food cloches being implemented — and the birds still coming out on top.

Now, following the lead of the folks over at the Australian Maritime Museum, the harbourside venue has brought in the paw patrol. And the scheme's got success written all over it. Organised by dog training and walking service Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the newest Opera House recruits have been fending off seagulls like the very good boys and girls they are, saving stacks of diners (and their food) from sneak avian attacks.

A seagull outside the Sydney Opera House.

The Seagull Patrol Dogs will be running around the Opera House for all of January, for now, so head down this week for a pat and a seagull-free meal.

Images: Jacquie Manning.