Sacked, the sniffer dog that didn't have a nose for trouble

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Brought in as the Western Isles' first sniffer dog, it was hoped Roxy the cocker spaniel would soon be hounding drug dealers.

But sadly, the 14-month-old canine failed to achieve even a whiff of success in training and has now been unceremoniously sacked.

Police had hoped the sprightly brown mutt would be the answer to the Western Isles' spiralling drug problems, and would soon be sniffing out smugglers at airports, haulage depots and ferry terminals.

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PC Neil McDonald with Roxy, who failed to make the grade as a sniffer dog

They were so convinced of Roxy's prowess, they even chose a high profile visit from the then First Minister, Jack McConnell, to trumpet her arrival earlier this year. Mr McConnell was moved to announce that "man's best friend" was about to become "the drug dealers' worst enemy".

But sadly Roxy's nose proved to be less sensitive than expected and she did not get past the first stages of her training.

Officers were disappointed when they realised she was unable to pick up even a trace of a suspicious scent - an obvious vital attribute for any would-be sniffer dog.

Now, instead of bringing the area's drugs barons to heel, Roxy is enjoying a cosseted life after being taken in as a pet by a local policeman and his family.

The task of finding smugglers has instead been handed to Onyx, a one-year-old black Labrador sourced from a specialist breeder in Orkney.

Chief Inspector Murdo Fraser of Northern Constabulary explained: "It is a pity about Roxy, but it became clear very early on in the training that she was not going to make it as a sniffer dog.

"She will have a good and pampered life I'm sure. But Onyx is a different dog. He is doing very well.

"This new drug detection dog, coupled with the funding of another full time drugs officer, will allow us to concentrate on those who take part in this evil trade and help keep the Western Isles a safe place."

Police from Northern Constabulary had fought for two years to get a sniffer dog after the traditional image of the islands as a peaceful backwater was overturned by the rise of drug-related problems.

Until 2006 the predominant drug type seized in the Western Isles was cannabis in its various forms, officers said. Since then the islands have seen an increase in the availability of harder substances.

Last February, police seized over £4,000 worth of what is believed to be Ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamine in Stornoway.

Now local PC Neil MacDonald, who was due to take to the streets for the first time this week as Roxy's handler, is instead waiting for her replacement to be groomed in Glasgow on the eight week training course.

PC MacDonald, who was previously an Area Drugs Officer in Fort William and Wick, will visit schools to help educate youngsters on the dangers of addiction as well as carrying out drug enforcement duties.

He explained: "The introduction of a drugs dog is a positive step in the fight against drug-related crime. However, it is only with assistance and information from the local communities that we can maximise its potential."

In the last 12 months there were around 200 positive drugs searches in the islands, and it is hoped that Onyx will help to bring about more seizures when his training is complete and he is unleashed.

Meanwhile, the only chasing Roxy will be doing will involve the occasional rabbit.

 

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