Canines claw their way into children’s hearts
Plettenberg Bay’s K9 unit has become more than just a means to stop criminals in their tracks as it has proven a valuable crime prevention tool.
On Friday 2 November the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association’s (PBCPA) furry crime fighters will show off their skills to local learners at Formosa Primary School.
“We have been asked by many schools in the area to do demonstrations. The children seem to find it very informative and we use the opportunity to talk to them about crime and the consequences of choosing this lifestyle,” says PBCPA operations head and K9 handler Otto Olivier.
He adds that with the demonstration and subsequent talks they hope to steer youngsters away from a life of crime.
On Friday, K9 Blackie will not only show the youngsters what he can do, but the Plett Rapid Response team will also be conducting a stolen vehicle simulation on the corner of Meeding and Duminy Street.
The PBCPA K9 unit was established just over a year ago with its first member, Blackie. The German shepherd, a former stray, has since crept into the hearts of many.
Following his adoption by the PBCPA from the Plett Animal Welfare Association, he was trained to fill the need for a dedicated local K9 unit. Although the police have a dog unit and handler, they cover a vast area along the Garden Route and therefore are not always available when the need arises or K9 assistance. About two months ago the K9 unit grew when another German shepherd, Zeus joined the team.
Olivier explains that Zeus has a different function and would mainly be used to sniff out narcotics. “He has already proven his worth and has managed to sniff out drugs successfully on several occasions.”
Olivier says Zeus is especially helpful at schools. “Every child has the right to an education in a drug-free environment.”
He adds that Zeus is currently able to sniff out two different types of drugs, but that the goal is to ensure that he can identify the top five drugs in the Plettenberg Bay area.
On Friday, following the simulation, Zeus will do a demonstration at Hobie Beach.
“Again we use this opportunity to speak to the children about drugs and the consequences of getting involved in using and dealing in illegal substances,” Olivier says. The first demonstration is set to start at 09:15.