Iceland’s police and customs authorities have now made the first step towards breeding narcotic search dogs, mbl.is reports. Until now, dogs from certified breeders have been imported from abroad, which has entailed enormous cost. The dogs have then been trained in Iceland.
The Icelandic Police. Photo: IPA.
This initiative is a collaboration of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, the Sudurnes Police and the Directorate of Customs in Iceland.
Narcotic search dogs Ella and Nelson were paired last April. Both Labradors, for years they have been a part of the police and customs forces.
Seven pups have since been born and are now approximately eight weeks old. In the coming days they will be placed in homes where they will receive standard rearing. The pups will be monitored by the chief trainers of the police and customs authorities, and when they have reached the required age and maturity they will enter an intensive training program. The goal is that in two years’ time, the most qualified dogs will have entered the workforce.
Dogs are a vital part of Iceland’s law enforcement.
