Court / Sheriff says drugs dogs are an ‘enviable resource’
THE LOCAL sheriff was treated to a demonstration from Shetland’s drugs dogs this morning (Friday) – and later said they are an “enviable resource” in the isles.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank met Shetland’s newest sniffer dogs Hera and Bravo alongside their handlers Hannah Anderson and Megan Grant.
The young springer spaniels are two of five dogs which are part of the Dogs Against Drugs charity.
The canines are trained to sniff out certain scents and are used for example at the NorthLink ferry terminal and the Lerwick postal office.
In October and November nearly £28,000 worth of drugs were seized by police at the postal office with the assistance of Dogs Against Drugs.
Sheriff Cruickshank said he was “incredibly impressed” by the demonstration given by the dogs on Friday.
A number of drugs cases which have resulted in sentences at Lerwick Sheriff Court in recent years have seen sniffer dogs involved in the initial detection.
“The ability of these dogs to locate various substances is amazing,” the sheriff said.
“I am well aware of the important role these dogs play operationally. Their brilliance in sniffing out illegal drugs has often played a significant part in the detection and recovery of controlled drugs which would have otherwise been unlawfully distributed into the communities of Shetland.
“The dogs and their handlers are an enviable resource in Shetland. It is a resource which many other parts of the country does not benefit from.”
Dogs Against Drugs was set up as a charity in Shetland back in 2002 in an attempt to tackle the issue of illegal drugs in partnership with the police.
Sheriff Cruickshank said he acknowledged that the charity relies on donations.
“Both the business community and the public of Shetland have to be congratulated for their continued support which I will hope will continue for many years to come,” he said.
The number of dogs in the team is set to reduce from five to four later this year, however, when the experienced Thor reaches nine years old.
Space2face
Space2face Shetland is an independent and confidential service which uses Restorative Justice and the arts to bring those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication. We enable everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
If you would like to reach out to us, please contact us via e-mail info@space2face.org or mobile 07564 832467.
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The project is also currently fundraising to secure office space in Shetland’s brand-new creativity and wellness centre, The Mission. If you’re interested in getting involved, or making a donation, head over to www.space2face.org/how-you-can-help
