Wanted in South Africa: Canines for K9
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging the public to please donate suitable dogs to SAPS to work alongside police officers, increasing their operational K9 capacity, and helping in the fight against crime… to make all South Africans feel safer. SAPS is improving its K9 capacity and needs the dogs to help in crime detection, law enforcement and wildlife […]
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging the public to please donate suitable dogs to SAPS to work alongside police officers, increasing their operational K9 capacity, and helping in the fight against crime… to make all South Africans feel safer.
SAPS is improving its K9 capacity and needs the dogs to help in crime detection, law enforcement and wildlife trafficking.
Specifically, the dogs will be deployed for the detection of narcotics, explosives, protected species, biological body fluid, currency, carcass-and-hide; as well as for the gathering of sheep during stock theft investigations, tracking and apprehending of dangerous suspects, and fire investigation, including search and rescue operations.
The following breeds will be accepted by the SAPS: Border Collies, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Belgian Shepherds, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthair Pointers and Jack Russells.
Dogs should be between nine months and three years old; and should be confident, energetic, able to walk on a leash, and unafraid of people or loud noises, said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
They should be of strong and even temperament.
“The extent of generosity and assistance of the public at large will be the key factor to determine the success of this donation drive and mainly to contribute to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.” said Mohlala.
Once you contact the K9 unit (see below), an appointment will be made. If the dog is suitable, a contract will be signed, and the dog taken to the SAPS K9 Academy in Roodeplaat where they will be examined by the SAPS Veterinary Services, inoculated and tagged with a microchip.
Mohlala said the dog will then be quarantined for 21 days and thereafter be socialised and subjected to a pre-training programme and assessed by a panel of experts to determine suitability for police K9 training purposes.
Trained dogs will be deployed operationally as a patrol or sniffer dog.
Dogs that do not meet the required training standard will be donated to the SPCA, who will deal with them according to their policies and regulations. This arrangement is meant to ensure the dogs do not end up in undesirable circumstances.
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Potential donors can contact the K9 Donation Office at:
SAPS K9 Academy, Roodeplaat on weekdays between 08:00 – 15:00 at 012 808 8787 or 082 778 9326 or e-mail roodepl.k9.donation@saps.g
Sources: SAnews.gov.za and SAPS