Paw patrol: Police dogs April, Astra, Cougar and Yeti celebrate five years on the force

FOUR of the NT Police service’s most distinguished operatives have celebrated five years of service

Police dog Astra takes part in an exercise with Senior Constable Horwood. Picture: Justin Kennedy

FOUR of the NT Police service’s most distinguished operatives have celebrated five years of service

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Labradors April, Astra, Cougar and Yeti were bred and trained by Australian Federal Police customs officers and have been in service in the Territory since 2013.

NT Police Sergeant Tyron Bellman was proud of the four dogs.

“They’re very successful dogs. All four have had large volumes of seizures in drugs and cash. We’re pretty lucky,” he said.

“They need drive, good genes, health and specifically up in the Northern Territory they need to have good heat tolerance to work in our conditions.”

The dogs still have about a year and a half of service left and will be replaced by puppies in training.

The dogs will be adopted by their handlers who already consider them family.

Senior Constable First Class Luke Lamb adores his dog April.

Police dog April during a search exercise with her handler, Senior Constable First Class Luke Lamb. Picture: Justin Kennedy

“She’s been a difficult dog, very strong headed and independent, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a dog. Because of those characteristics she’s done very well,” he said.