Search is back on for a drugs dog for Orkney

THE ORKNEY Drugs Dog charity has announced Kevin Moar as Orkney’s first drugs detection dog handler, and Janette Mackie as their newly appointed development officer.

However, at the same time, the organisation now faces a new challenge, as the dog earmarked to become Orkney’s first drugs detection dog has been retired.

Kevin, originally from Orkney, and educated at Kirkwall Grammar School, brings with him over 27 years experience of Royal Air Force Policing, predominately working within the Military Working Dog specialisations, during which time he reached the rank of sergeant.

He has served at various RAF Stations in Scotland and England as well as a five-year tour at the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray.

He has an abundance of experience in various roles of operational dog handling and training, including being part of the Military contingent that supported the Metropolitan Police with searches during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Kevin said: “I’m looking forward to moving back to Orkney and starting in my new role with Orkney Drugs Dog. I Intend to use my previous dog handling and training skills to get the charity underway and working towards reducing the availability of illegal drugs in Orkney.”

Janette also joins the charity this week and brings experience in administration, finance and a successful fundraising background.

She is excited about her new challenge and is keen to link up with other partners and agencies and work towards long-term sustainability of the charity.

Chairman, Andrew Drever said: “It has taken longer than we first anticipated getting to this point but now that we are here; our trustees are all looking forward to welcoming Kevin and Janette onboard. Their skills and experience will be of direct benefit to our charity’s work and we look forward to progressing the work of the charity.”

In September the charity announced the appointment of Whisky – an active, fully trained drug detection dog – donated from retiring Police Scotland hander, PC Matthew Watson.

Whisky was due to move to Orkney and start his new life with the Orkney Drugs Dog at the end of October.

The charity said: “However due to unforeseen delays in getting to a point where he could be handed over has meant he has been away from active daily search duties for an extended period of time. Upon recent assessment it was found that his spark and enthusiasm had reduced somewhat from his visit to Orkney in September, and it is with regret that we have to announce that on this basis, Whisky will also now be retiring and will stay with Mr Watson.”

This news has come as a blow to the charity, but Mr Drever remains optimistic.

He said: “Back in September when the community met Whisky and had the opportunity to see him in action, we believed that a seamless handover was possible, and that Whisky would continue duty with Kevin here in Orkney. Through unfortunate circumstances this was not to be, and Whisky’s wellbeing is a priority, so we all wish him a happy and well deserved retirement.

“Whisky’s retirement has now given our charity a challenge. At that time, we were delighted to be receiving a fully trained dog that was ready to start work and this would be a great opportunity for the charity to get up and running with an experienced dog, whilst planning was in progress to secure a younger dog for training to the specific demands of the charity in the longer term.”

Mr Drever added: “Police Scotland and other agencies are keen to support us in our search for a suitable dog aged between 12 and 18 months to take on this important role in our Islands. We hope that by using a joint approach through these contacts we can identify a suitable dog very soon.”