A rescue dog adopted by a police force has celebrated his first year as a drugs, cash and firearms recovery dog after his owner had to give him up due to health problems.
Reggie, a three-year-old English springer spaniel was acquired from Dog Trust Evesham by Wiltshire Police after his crime-fighting potential was first spotted by his carers.
The rescue centre found Reggie had high energy levels and was happiest when he had an activity or training to focus on. His Dogs Trust carers felt he had all the qualities required to be an excellent working dog.
He “excelled” at training due to his enthusiastic nature and love for a tennis ball.
PC Emma Rice from Wiltshire Police with Reggie.
During his milestone first year of service, Reggie has carried out more than 60 searches finding thousands of pounds of cash and quantities of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and heroin.
“Reggie is a joy to work with. If given the option, he would work all day.
“He has adjusted to his new life very well and loves nothing more than getting in the car at the start of the shift, as it means he will get to search and, in turn, get his beloved tennis ball,” his dog handler, Police Constable Emma Rice said.
“Reggie will have a long and happy career in the police, and he couldn’t be better suited to the job,” she added.
Not only has Reggie become an integral part of the Wiltshire Police team, but also has the accolade of being the first rescue to become a police dog with Wiltshire Police since it joined the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme (AWS) last year.
The scheme which began in 2002 ensures the training, housing and transport of police dogs meet high animal welfare standards within the 29 Police Forces that belong to the scheme.
Reggie enjoying a bit of well deserved free time.
Louise Crawford, animal welfare scheme coordinator at Dogs Trust, said: “Reggie was identified by the team at Dogs Trust Evesham as being suitable for a working home.
“I am thrilled that Reggie has done so well and is now a fully licensed police dog with Wiltshire Police, where he is achieving so much and reaching his full potential.
“Rescue dogs have so much to offer and can achieve great things.”
See: www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/professionals/service-dogs for more information about Dogs Trust’s work with service dogs.
