Orihuela council has put out to tender a minor contract worth €14,520 to acquire and train a dog for the Local Police’s planned canine unit.
The contract covers basic obedience, narcotics detection, care of the animal and initial training for the officer who will become its handler, as a first step towards establishing this specialist resource.
Prevention and support in public spaces
The unit will have preventive, deterrent, educational and police support duties, with particular attention to drug consumption and possession in public spaces, school surroundings, parks and leisure areas.
It is also intended to work in busy locations such as patron saint festivals, markets and sports facilities, reinforcing the work already carried out by the Local Police.
The dog must be accustomed to different settings and to detection work involving vehicles, parcels, building interiors and people.
Where officers detect conduct that could constitute an administrative or criminal offence, the matter will be referred to the competent national security forces.
Delivery, handling and animal welfare
The successful contractor must deliver the dog within a maximum of nine months, although a shorter delivery period will be one of the criteria used to assess bids.
The animal must be under 18 months old and have a passport, with vaccinations and worming treatments up to date.
The planned unit will report directly to police headquarters and have handlers selected for their training, aptitude, availability and commitment.
Each dog will be assigned a single handler, responsible for its daily care and the only person with whom it may perform police duties, to protect their bond, consistent training and the animal’s welfare.
The unit will also require an adapted police vehicle with suitable ventilation, safety measures, insulation and temperature conditions.
Talks and responsible pet ownership
Its educational role includes talks, controlled demonstrations and information campaigns in schools, associations and municipal programmes, addressing responsible pet ownership, community relations, urban hygiene and drug prevention.
When a dog retires or can no longer work because of illness or injury, the council will prioritise adoption by its handler or seek a suitable home.
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