Posthumous OBE For Sniffer Dog

Jake, a police sniffer dog, once delayed a music festival by finding cannabis on a tour bus.

18:47 29 April 2015

Jake, a police sniffer dog, who helped the authorities find £5m worth of cash, firearms and drugs, has been posthumously presented with the animal equivalent of the OBE. The dog was due to receive the PDSA Order of Merit but died suddenly before the presentation. 

 

The 13-year-old dog served the police force for more than 10 years, making more than 500 operation finds including assault rifles, shotguns, hand guns, and over £650,000 worth of banknotes and £4.5 million in illegal drugs.

 

His “girlfriend”, a police dog named Gwen, will accept the award on his behalf at a London ceremony. 

 

Handler PC Andy Crouch said his family had been devastated by the dog's death: "Jake worked tirelessly and performed thousands of searches.

 

"Even after his retirement, he loved playing and we would often set up 'finds' for him to seek out, to keep him stimulated.

 

"Jake would have carried on working, given half the chance, but it was important for him to take some time out.

 

"He was a joy to work with and I doubt that many handlers will find a dog so willing to work and to please. My family and I are devastated to lose Jake, especially so close to this award being presented.

 

"But I am very proud to be here with Gwen, to accept the award on his behalf. Jake's award will take pride of place in our home, along with his Police Commendation and his Force tag, which he wore every day for ten years."