Orkney Drugs Dog charity launch fundraising drive

A new Orkney charity which aims to provide a drugs dog for the county has officially launched its fundraising drive.

Following concerns originally raised by the Community Safety Partnership around the level of drug misuse and abuse, and the disruption caused to family life in the county,

Orkney Drugs Dog has been set up to provide drugs education and detection services in Orkney.

The main aim of the charity is to provide education and awareness in local schools and Orkney College.

The dog and handler will also provide detection support to Police Scotland, for example at ferry and airports, and in other areas where local detection is required.

Financial support for the project has already been received from individuals, community organisations and the Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, together with W. R. Tullock & Sons Ltd who have provided a vehicle, and Orkney Builders Contractors Ltd who have agreed to build a kennel.

Chairman of the Orkney Drugs Dog steering group, Andrew Drever said: “For the past year, and more, the steering group have been working closely with Voluntary Action Orkney to establish our constitution, charity registration and job specifications.

“Two new posts will be created in support of the initiative: a development officer, who will source future funding and carry out community engagement work, and a specialist dog handler. Once these posts are filled, we will then be in a position to search for a suitable dog to become our Drugs Detection Dog.

“We are grateful to Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership for providing initial funding to cover the set-up costs and to Police Scotland for agreeing to provide assistance for the duration of the training and licensing process.

“We’re also grateful for the valuable assistance and advice from Shetland’s Dogs Against Drug team who have considerable experience and have been successfully operational for some years.”