Problems With RCMP Police Dog Program Pose ‘Health and Wellness Risks’: Evaluation

RCMP Cpl. Mike Jordan and his police service dog Lucy lead puppies that will become RCMP police dogs into B.C. RCMP Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on March 11, 2021. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

The RCMP’s police dog training centre has been plagued by staffing shortages, low morale and rundown facilities that pose health risks to officers and canines, an internal review says.

The evaluation of RCMP police dog services reveals numerous challenges for the program that supplies and trains four-legged helpers to protect VIPs, support emergency teams, and sniff out suspects and illicit drugs.