WA police have deployed an elite dog unit to help catch people carrying drugs to Rottnest Island as school leavers' celebrations officially begin today.
Three labradors, Sarge, Scooby and Sloan, will greet schoolies catching the ferry to the island and sniff their luggage for drugs.
A police spokeswoman said the dogs were part of a broader strategy to tame wild behaviour associated with the island's temporary revellers.
"It's part of the whole leavers' strategy," the spokesperson said.
"We have extra resources on the island from the mainland just to ensure that everyone has a good time and stays safe.
"I think the numbers are down on last year but we're still expecting a considerable amount of people."
The late-night partying has previously threated the nocturnal quokka.
The Preston Environment Group has urged school leavers visiting Rottnest to respect the quokkas and local wildlife
Group convener Peter Murphy said he was determined to educate people about the plight of quokkas.
"They are a rare and endangered species. They're not far away from extinction," he said.
"It (Rottnest Island) is a wildlife sanctuary. It's all about education.
"Most kids are responsible but when they get drunk they like to play 'quokka soccer'. It's cruelty to animals.
"Over the years there have been shocking incidents of cruelty to quokkas."
A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson said quokka abuse has declined in recent times.
"It has been many years since we've had any incidents," she said.
"We rely on young people to understand the importance of quokkas.
"For most years we find the leavers that come to Rottnest are responsible people.
There are fines if anyone does mistreat them."
