Police force sniffs out recruits

Spaniels make some of the best sniffer dogs

A police force is making an appeal for recruits and the ability to sniff out crime is a distinct advantage.

Northumbria Police dog section is looking for more sniffer dogs to join the five already in service.

The animals, which are trained to find explosives, are used on a variety of operations, including patrols at airports and ferry terminals.

Ideal candidates are springer spaniels, labradors and collies aged 10-18 months who love chasing balls.

'Vital service'

Several dogs which have already undergone training have proved unsuitable and officers are now hoping to find some new recruits.

Inspector Ken Crossley, of the dog section, said: "These dogs provide a vital service for us and we are keen to hear from anyone who has a suitable animal but maybe cannot cope with it themselves.

"Officers will visit the dog and carry out a brief assessment, and those suitable will go for further training.

"If the dog does not make the grade we ask the owner to take the animal back, because, in the past, we have spent a lot of time trying to re-home dogs."

Anyone who thinks they may have a suitable dog to donate can contact Mr Crossley on 0191 214 6555, ext 68631.