Garda dogs to take a bite out of crime

GARDAÍ in the Southern Region - which takes in Cork, Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary - have been joined by specialist recruits.

Four trained dogs are now deployed as part a pilot scheme on varying policing methods.

Specially trained dogs have been used by gardaí in Dublin for some years.

But Munster gardaí can now call on their own canine team to help detect drugs, search for missing persons or to deal with trouble on the streets.

Two of the dogs and their handlers operate out of Henry Street in Limerick and the other two from Cork.

The gardaí in charge of the dogs underwent special training last November and took up duty with their charges last month.

Superintendent Gerry Mahon of Henry Street said: “Some of the dogs are trained to sniff drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and other substances. They have been involved in a number of successful searches since they started last month and have detected significant amounts of drugs.

“The handlers work with our colleagues in the regular units and the divisional drugs squads.”

The dog units in Limerick and Cork have special vans fitted out with kennel cages for the dogs.

Head of the Limerick garda division, Chief Superintendent Willie Keane, said the dogs are a major asset, particularly in the fight against drugs.