Entries close soon for 2009 Pedigree Working Dog Auction

THE 2009 Casterton Pedigree Working Dog Auction will see dogs from Australia’s leading bloodlines go under the hammer on Sunday, June 7.
Previously attracting entries from four Australian states, the auction has long held the mantel of Australia’s premier working dog auction, with last year’s sale clearing 85 per cent and grossing $136,650.
Chairman of the Casterton Working Dog Auction, Andrew Harrison reminded vendors that sale registrations close next Tuesday, May 12.
“With only days left before the auction, we are urging potential vendors to register their dogs immediately so they don’t miss their place on sale day,” Mr Harrison said.
Past auctions have seen dogs find new homes in every state of Australia, while there has also been interest from overseas buyers.
A highlight of the 2008 auction was the sale of Beloka Red II for $7400, which is believed to be a record price for a kelpie at auction.
Beloka Red II, or Red as he became known, attracted national attention as proceeds from his sale were donated to the national depression awareness campaign, beyondblue.
Mr Harrison said he believed the 2009 auction would attract another top line-up of bloodlines with entries already received from Ian O’Connell, Balgalla Working Kelpies at Strathkellar, Joe Spicer, GoGetta Kelpie Stud at Hamilton, Jack Briscoe, Futura Kelpies, Geelong and Vin Joyce from Sandford.
“The Balgalla and GoGetta studs have previously sold the top priced dog at the auction, so buyers can be assured of another quality offering this year,” he said.
Sale day at Island Park in Casterton commences with registration of dogs from 8am, following which potential buyers are encouraged to inspect dogs and speak with vendors.
Yard and paddock demonstrations will commence at 9.30am and each vendor will have approximately five minutes to showcase their dog’s abilities. All sale entries must have a current vaccination certificate.
The auction will start at 3pm and will be overseen by national auctioneering champion, James Tierney from Elders Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina who has made the journey to his home district for the past two years to conduct the auction.
A pre-sale program will be available for viewing at www.kelpies-casterton.org following May 12.

The Australian Kelpie Muster will be held at Casterton on June 6-8. For details, visit www.kelpies-casterton.org