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Force appeal for canine recruits

Northumbria Police is appealing for four-legged recruits aged 12 – 18 months to help it continue its fight against drugs. The force’s Dog Training Unit is looking to recruit lively dogs, such as young adult Cocker or Springer Spaniels, to join the drugs detection squad. Drugs Detection Dogs search for the presence of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines.Several dogs which were being trained by the force for the job have proved unsuitable. Now officers are keen to hear from anyone who has a dog they can no longer cope with which is lively, loves playing with toys, and chasing and searching for balls.Sergeant Glen Bland, head of Dog Section training, said: “A few dogs we’ve had recently have proved unsuitable or have under achieved and while they’ve all been found good homes, their departure has left us with a shortfall. “We’re keen to hear from anyone who has a dog which they maybe can’t cope with themselves. All the dogs we recruit live with their handlers at home and are well looked after. “Officers will visit any dog we are told about and carry out a brief assessment. If suitable the animal will go for further training, but if they don’t make the grade the owner will be asked to take the animal back as we’ve spent a lot of time in the past trying to re-home dogs.“Anyone who thinks they may have a suitable dog to donate should contact the Dog Training Unit administration on 01661 868425.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .