Wiltshire Police’s rescue dog Reggie ‘loves’ drug recovery role

A rescue dog is celebrating one year of being adopted by a police force as a drugs, cash and firearms recovery dog after its owner became too ill to care for him.

Reggie, a three-year-old English springer spaniel, was rescued from Dogs Trust Evesham by Wiltshire Police in February last year.

“Reggie loves nothing more than getting in the car at the start of the shift, as it means he will get to search and, in turn, get his beloved tennis ball,” dog handler Police Constable Emma Rice said.

The Evesham Dogs Trust team say they are “thrilled” Reggie is so happy after being identified by staff as suitable for a working home.

The rescue centre found Reggie’s high energy levels meant he was happiest when he had an activity or training to focus on, a Dogs Trust spokesperson said.

“Our rehoming centre teams are trained to spot dogs with extra special crime-fighting potential,” added Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme Coordinator at Dogs Trust.

And as a fully licensed police dog, Reggie is “achieving so much and reaching his full potential”, she said.

Reggie “excelled” at training and after graduating last May he has carried out more than 60 searches, finding thousands of pounds of cash and quantities of drugs, and is a “joy to work with”, PC Rice said.

“He is a workaholic and a very strong-willed boy and has adjusted to his new life very well [and] given the option, he would work all day.

“He loves nothing more than getting in the car at the start of the shift, as it means he will get to search and, in turn, get his beloved tennis ball,” she added.

Reggie is the first dog adopted by the Wiltshire force since it joined The Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme last year.

The initiative, which began 23 years ago, ensures the training, housing and transport of police dogs meet high animal welfare standards, with 29 UK Police Forces belonging to the scheme.

Ms Crawford said: “Rescue dogs have so much to offer and can achieve great things.

“Reggie’s story and success in his new life are wonderful ways to promote this message [and] I’m sure he will be the first of many to succeed at Wiltshire Police force,” she added.