A Sligo Councillor has welcomed the news that a new Dog Handling Unit will be based in the Sligo-Leitrim Garda Division as soon as resources allow.
Sligo Drumcliff Marie Casserly says she has received confirmation from Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken that move will take place.
The Garda dogs assist in searches for suspects of crimes and for evidence which may have been discarded. The dogs are also trained to work in serious public order disturbances and they assist in the execution of warrants.
Most of the Garda dogs are “detector” dogs and are trained to locate cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy and heroin.
There are currently only three dog units operating in the country – in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. 3 more have now been approved in Cavan-Monaghan, Donegal and Sligo-Leitrim.
Speaking to Ocean FM news Cllr Casserly says a dog unit will be a big advantage to Gardai and their fight against crime:
