Impounded dog on drugs duty

A dog impounded in Rotorua has a new leash of life.

Flash, the country's newest prison narcotics dog, was found in a city pound by Police Officer Tiny Taylor.

It had suffered from some mistreatment and neglect but had retained a certain "spark", Mr Taylor said. "He looks peculiar but he's quite exceptional."

The Department of Corrections has welcomed the new member of staff just before Christmas.

Flash and dog handler Craig Lacy graduated at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre late last year and will work together at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, searching visitors, vehicles, cells and prisoners for narcotics.

"We bonded very quickly, from day one he's been a brilliant dog to work with," Mr Lacy said.

"He doesn't need motivating he loves searching, to him it is a big game." Criminals too!

Mr Lacy has taken on a huge commitment as a dog handler; unlike a lot of people he cannot leave his work as Flash lives with him.

Flash underwent a through rigorous selection process to ensure he was fit and capable for the job. From there he and Craig underwent an intensive two-month training course.

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