“A Critical Shortage”: Eastern Cape Police Issue Urgent Appeal for Donated Dogs

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has made an unusual and urgent public appeal: they need dogs. The province’s K9 units, essential for everything from narcotics detection to search-and-rescue operations, are facing a critical shortage of suitable dogs, severely hampering crime-fighting efforts.

According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, the shortage is “impairing essential crime-fighting, search and rescue, and detection operations across the province.” These highly trained dogs act as indispensable “force multipliers,” enabling officers to perform tasks with greater speed and accuracy than human personnel alone.

What Kind of Dog Makes the Cut?

The SAPS is not looking for just any pet. They need dogs that are healthy, confident, energetic, and unfazed by people or loud noises. The call is focused on specific breeds known for their intelligence, drive, and temperament, including:

• German Shepherds & Belgian Malinois (prime candidates for patrol work)

• Labrador Retrievers & Bloodhounds (ideal for detection and tracking)

• Rottweilers, Border Collies, Jack Russells, and Dutch Shepherds

The selection criteria are strict and role-specific:

• For detection/search roles: Dogs must show a high play or prey drivean intense, focused desire to chase balls or toys.

• For patrol/apprehension roles: Dogs must display a predatory sequence with controlled aggression, necessary for suspect apprehension and protection.

How to Help a K9 Unit

The K9 units provide total operational support across eleven disciplines, from explosives detection to tracking suspects. Their effectiveness hinges on the specialised bond between handler and dog.

Prospective donors with a suitable canine are urged to contact the K9 Unit Donation Coordinator, Warrant Officer Chris Heggie, at 072 735 0116. For the Eastern Cape police, every qualified dog donated isn’t just a pet finding a new homeit’s a potential lifesaver and a critical tool in restoring safety and law enforcement capacity across the province.