Police call for unwanted animals

Many breeds can be trained up to become search dogs

Cumbria Police is urgently in need of dogs for their specialist Unit and is calling on anyone who may have an unwanted pet to help out.

Several officers from the Dogs Unit require a canine companion to be trained up to hunt out drugs or firearms.

Animals aged between twelve months and two years will be tested and if suitable go through a training course.

They will then become part of the team and live with their handler and family.

Pc Paddy Bainbridge said: "Breeds such as springer spaniels, cocker spaniels, border collies and other gun dogs are well suited to becoming search dogs.

"Any dog which is brought forward will undergo a search test and, if successful, will be enlisted with a view to being put through an intensive training course due to start in October."

Anyone who wants to donate their animal can contact the Cumbria Police Dogs Unit.