JOHANNESBURG - The Eastern Cape is running out of dogs to fight crime, and the situation is so critical that the shortage is hampering search-and-rescue and crime detection operations.
Police are appealing to you to donate dogs to bolster their K9 units.
It's not just any dog, though.
Preferred breeds include German and Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, Bloodhounds and Border Collies, among others.
Your dogs must be healthy, confident, energetic and not scared of people or loud noises in order to be considered.
Here are some key traits of the preferred dog breeds:
German Shepherd
• Highly intelligent and easy to train
• Loyal and protective
• Excellent at tracking, patrol and detection
• Strong work ethic and endurance
Why police use them:
They are versatile, used for tracking suspects, detecting drugs and crowd control.
Dutch Shepherd
Key traits:
• Extremely agile and energetic
• Highly obedient and focused
• Quick learner with strong drive
• Resilient and adaptable
Why police use them:
Ideal for tactical operations and high-intensity work.
Rottweiler
Key traits:
• Powerful and confident
• Naturally protective
• Calm under pressure
• Strong guarding instincts
Why police use them:
Excellent for guarding, patrol and intimidation in high-risk situations.
Bloodhound
Key traits:
• Exceptional sense of smell
• Persistent and determined tracker
• Gentle temperament
• Ability to follow old scent trails
Why police use them:
Used mainly for search-and-rescue and tracking missing persons or suspects.
Border Collie
Key traits:
• Extremely intelligent
• Fast and agile
• Highly responsive to commands
• Strong problem-solving ability
Why police use them:
Useful for specialised detection work and search operations.