2 Canine Services Unit Members Retiring Today
Two service dogs from the Canine Services Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) are retiring today, after eight years of dedicated public service to Ontarians. Tanner, 10 and Cinder, 9 will be spend their retirement years with their handlers.
The dogs were trained as General Police Service dogs, and their primary duties included detection work for recovery of evidence, tracking for human scent and handler protection. Over the years, the dogs responded to thousands of calls for service from Ontario conservation officers. The dogs have also been an excellent tool for the ministry to promote conservation in Ontario, including in schools, shows, exhibitions, Ontario Parks and with stakeholder groups.
10yr old Tanner on the job in Ontario’s forests. Supplied photo
Tanner, a 10-year old male retriever mix, was rescued from a shelter in Greater Sudbury and was trained along with his handler in 2008. The team worked out of the Bancroft MNRF office and served eastern Ontario since that time.
9yr old Cinder at work during the winter months. Supplied photo
Cinder, a nine-year old female black lab, was purchased from a breeder in the Barrie area and was also trained with her handler in 2008. The team worked out of the North Bay MNRF office and served northeastern Ontario since that time.
The dogs received numerous accolades over the years, including a lifesaving award for locating a lost elderly hiker and letters of commendation from various external stakeholders and agencies.
MNRF’s Canine Services Unit was established in 1990 in Sudbury and last year celebrated over 25 years of detecting and protecting Ontario’s natural resources. Tanner and Cinder received honorary badges during a ceremony in Sudbury.
The Canine Services Unit assists conservation officers in important work, including:
- Search and rescue
- Detection and recovery of evidence and concealed fish and wildlife species
- High visibility patrols to deter violators
- Tracking of violators from poaching and/or crime scenes
- Outreach/education
