The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape is making a call to the public for donations of dogs to join its esteemed K9 units.
The province’s police force is facing a critical shortage of suitable canine partners, hindering their ability to effectively combat crime, conduct search and rescue operations, and detect threats.
Police Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “A critical shortage of suitable dogs is currently impairing essential crime fighting, search and rescue, and detection operations across the province. Your contribution can directly support frontline policing and save lives.”
The SAPS is seeking healthy, confident, and energetic dogs with a strong work ethic.
Preferred breeds include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, and others. If your dog has what it takes to be a hero, the SAPS wants to hear from you.
Selection criteria are as follows:
- For detection and search roles: Dogs intended for narcotics, explosives, firearms detection, or search and rescue, must demonstrate a high play/prey drive, shown by an intense focus on and desire to chase balls or toys.
- For patrol and apprehension roles: Dogs to be trained for patrol duties must display controlled, predatory prey drive, which is associated with the controlled aggression necessary for suspect apprehension and protection work.
To donate your canine companion, contact Warrant Officer Chris Heggie at 072 735 0116.
