Eastern Cape police appeal for dogs as K9 unit faces critical shortage

SAPS in the Eastern Cape is appealing for donations of dogs to bolster its K9 units.

Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the province is facing a critical shortage of suitable dogs, and it is impairing its essential crime-fighting, search and rescue, and detection operations.

While officers have tried reaching out to shelters, the need is still great.

“Out of the 16 K9 units that we have in the Eastern Cape, we are sitting with about 43 trained handlers who are without dogs. There are about 56 that must still undergo training," he said.

To be considered, dogs must be between 12 and 24-months-old, healthy, confident, energetic, and not fearful of people or loud noises.

Preferred breeds include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bloodhounds, Border Collies, Jack Russells, and Dutch Shepherds.

He added that shortages are similarly faced nationally, so any assistance anywhere in the country can help.

Prospective donors are urged to contact the K9 Unit Donation Coordinator, Warrant Officer Chris Heggie on 072 735 0116.

More information is available on the SAPS website here.

To listen to Leal in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Mandy Wiener, click the audio player below: