PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay’s four-legged crime fighter Blackie will soon have a partner.

Following the establishment of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) canine support unit when the organisation acquired its first dog – a rescued German shepherd – in September last year, they have added a new member to the team last week. 

The new addition is Max, a seven-month-old German shepherd from Plett.

Max’s handler, Elaine Olivier, says they were recently approached about a local resident wanting to find a home for his dog. 

“The dog required a lot of attention, something he could not offer, so we decided to take him,” Olivier says.

She explains that the team who trained Blackie had been in town at the time and accompanied them to see Max. 

“They saw a lot of potential in him for crime-fighting purposes and on Saturday, Max was flown to their training base in Swartruggens," Olivier says.

He will receive the necessary training from Tactical K9 Africa over the next three months to prepare him to become part of the PBCPA canine support.

The first stage of Max's training starts on Friday 19 January. 

“He will be trained to detect drugs,” says Olivier, who will also receive the necessary training to ensure she is ready to handle Max.

“He is a lovely dog and I’m very excited to embark on this journey with him. 

"He is loving all the attention he is receiving and is very curious. We believe he will be a good member of our team.”

Having a canine unit does cost quite a bit as the dogs have to receive regular check-ups from a veterinarian, have a specialised diet and take medication to lessen the chances of hip issues – a problem the breed battles with.

* Would you like to contribute to the PBCPA or its canine support unit? 

Funds can be donated as follows: Bank account name: BMERC (section 21 company); Standard Bank branch: Plettenberg Bay; account no. 251 989 976.

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