'Pawsome' police dogs praised for sniffing out drugs
The work of sniffer dogs in the fight against drugs in Scotland has been praised.
The work of sniffer dogs in the fight against drugs in Scotland has been praised.
The force's 126 dogs have carried out nearly 5,000 drug searches since the creation of the single force in 2013.
Figures revealed in response to a freedom of information request by the Scottish Conservatives indicate dogs have been carrying out around five searches a day.
The canines can also work in firearms support, explosive detection and victim recovery.
Police Scotland have 65 general purpose dogs and 61 specialist dogs, with breeds including German shepherds, labradors and even a terrier called Zandi.
The most popular canine name is Boris, though other animals fighting for justice include Roxy, Yogi, Rex and Diesel.
There are also 18 puppies in training, with youngsters like Herbie, Enzo and Solar being put through their paces.
Only three dogs have been destroyed due to injury or illness since April 2013, with most on retirement moving home with their handler.
Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: It's great to see police dogs play such an active role in the fight against drugs.
They are clearly valued members of the force and help ensure drug dealers don't get a free run at flooding our streets with dangerous and often fatal illegal substances.''
The force could not comment on how many explosives or weapon searches its dogs have embarked on amid concern such information could be capitalised by the criminal community.