The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State is appealing to the public to donate suitable dogs to enhance their K9 unit’s operational capacity.
Free State police are currently working to strengthen their K9 unit, aiming to boost their crime-fighting capabilities, including crime detection, law enforcement, and combating wildlife trafficking.
“Police dogs are utilised to provide both proactive and reactive services in the SAPS,” stated police spokesperson, Captain Lorraine Earle. “They are deployed for narcotic detection, explosives detection, protected species detection, biological body fluid detection, currency detection, carcass-and-hide detection, as well as the gathering of sheep during stock theft investigations, tracking and apprehending of dangerous suspects, fire investigation, including search and rescue operations.”
SAPS is looking for the following breeds:
Border Collies, German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, Labradors, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthair Pointers and Jack Russell Terriers, which adhere to the following requirements:
- Between nine months and three years old;
- Cross breeds will only be accepted if they meet the SAPS strict organisational requirements;
- Confident, energetic and not scared of people or loud noises;
- Able to walk on a leash;
- Strong and even temperament.
Those interested in making a donation can reach the Provincial Emergency and Flash Services: K9 and Mounted Services, Free State, on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 at 051-412-6678 or 082-565-9674, or via email at MalefaneML@saps.gov.za.
The following K9 Units can also be contacted as per the indicated list of authorised K9 Units that can accept dogs as donations:
Bloemfontein K9 Unit – Lieutenant Colonel Smith 082-821-0195
Welkom K9 Unit – Lieutenant Colonel Nocqado 082-041-3079
“An appointment will then be made to assess the dog at the donor’s residence to establish whether the dog is suitable and if the dog is suitable a contract will be signed,” stated Earle. “Dogs are donated unconditionally to the SAPS.”
Suitable dogs will be transported to the SAPS K9 Academy in Roodeplaat, where they will undergo a veterinary examination, receive vaccinations, and be microchipped. Afterward, they will be quarantined for 21 days before being socialised and enrolled in a pre-training program. A panel of experts will then assess the dogs to determine their suitability for K9 police training.
Trained dogs will be deployed operationally as patrol or sniffer dogs. There is also a demand in the Free State for dogs trained in Biological Detection, Fire Detection, Search and Rescue, Patrol, Tracking, Narcotics, Explosives, and Protected/Endangered Species detection.
“The extent of generosity and assistance of the public at large will be the key factor to determine the success of this donation drive,” the police spokesperson concluded.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
