DURBAN Metropolitan Police Services (DMPS) is calling for donations of suitable dogs to increase the operational capacity of its K9 Unit.
Metro Police Spokesman, Senior Supt Parboo Sewpersad, said: “Police dogs are used to provide both pro-active and re-active services in the Durban Metro Police. They are deployed for narcotic detection, explosive detection and tracking and apprehending of dangerous suspects.”
He said the Unit worked with German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Malinois breeds and is requesting the public contact DMPS should they have animals to donate.
“The dogs should be between nine months and three years old, be confident, energetic and not scared of people or loud noises. They should also be strong and have a good temperament,” he said.
Sewpersad explained that once contacted, Metro Police will make an appointment to assess the dog to establish whether the dog is suitable and if so, a contract will be signed.
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Dogs are donated unconditionally to the DMPS. Suitable dogs will be examined by the DMPS Veterinary Services, inoculated and tagged with a microchip.
They will then be socialised and assessed to determine their suitability for K9 training. Trained dogs will be deployed operationally as a patrol dog.
Sewpersad said: “The generosity and assistance of the public at large will be the key factor to determine the success of this donation drive and will contribute to ensuring the safety and security of all South Africans.”
Should you have dog to donate, contact the K9 UNIT: A/Capt A Chappen on 082 887 5424, A/Capt TG Govender on 083 378 9798 or A/Supt M Prem on 083 959 5195.
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