Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Blackie, Plettenberg Bay’s crime fighting pooch, now has the added title of "hero".

The four-legged crime fighter, which has crept into the hearts of many since last year, was honoured for his role in keeping residents of the town safe. This was done during the African Hoofprint Foundation’s "Celebrating Beauty through Ashes" event at Cairnbrogie Farm on 30 June.

“The recognition Blackie received has filled us with pride. This magnificent rescue dog has not only made inroads in crime prevention, but he has become an essential asset in our combined vision – that all security and emergency stakeholders work together towards a safer and crime-free Plettenberg Bay,” the dog’s handler Otto Olivier said.

Blackie, a German shepherd, was a stray which came up for adoption from the Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) last year.

The Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) adopted him and had him trained to assist with their operations. Olivier explained that there was a need for a dedicated K9 unit in Plett. Although the police have a dog unit and handler, they cover a vast area along the Garden Route and are therefore not always available when the need arise for K9 assistance.

Blackie has since been actively involved in the pursuit of suspects.

The canine was honoured at the event, which included many activities, including the Plett Eco Fun Hike and Ride where dog owners could bring their pets and take on various trails throughout the day with their pooches in tow. Participants could also take on the routes on horseback and the event was in support of the Sunshine Sanctuary and PAWS. Participants were asked to make a financial donation to the two organisations as an “entry fee” for the walks.

The PBCPA’s rapid response team also staged a vehicle theft simulation to the delight of onlookers.

Blackie in action during a recent demonstration. Photo: Supplied