Detector dogs cost State €860k — but sniff out contraband worth much more

The detector dogs more than pay for themselves and have been responsible for hundreds of seizures of drugs, cash, and other smuggled goods in recent years.

THE Revenue Commissioners has spent nearly €860,000 on detector dogs over the past 18 months including vet bills, bedding, kennels, leads, and grooming.

Just over €250,000 was spent on the purchase of sniffer dogs as well as ongoing canine handling courses with the aptly-named Wagtail UK Limited.