WOOF justice
IT’S taken six weeks of intensive training but two of Greater Manchester Police’s newest four-legged recruits are ready for action.
Aayla, a 15-month-old springer spaniel, and Murphy, a two-year-old springador (springer spaniel cross labrador), are now fully-qualified drugs, firearms and cash detection dogs having passed their course with flying colours.
The dogs will be seen patrolling the streets with handlers Pc Mark Richardson and Pc Rob Kinley.
Aayla was born at GMP after being bred specifically to be a police dog. The ‘bundle of energy’ has already visited areas across the region as part of her training, which has led to many successful finds.
Her handler Pc Richardson has previously appeared on TV screens as part of documentary series The Force: Manchester.
Murphy was raised at Spaniel Aid, a charity that helps to rehome and train the breed. Carers soon spotted Murphy’s potential and thought he would be well-suited to a working role.
“Murphy came to us in February this year as an owner relinquishment,” said Nicola Kebbell, trustee for Spaniel Aid.
“It was immediately obvious that he needed a job to do as he was extremely bouncy, energetic and ball mad.
“We are thrilled and proud to hear he has passed his training to be a police dog with Greater Manchester Police and wish him and his handler well.”
During his training, Murphy has been patrolling areas including Manchester Airport and Piccadilly station.
In October, GMP Tactical Dog Unit’s Twitter account shared a photo of nine German Shepherd pups who will be trained up as police dogs.