Prestigious award for prison dog and handler

An Isle of Man Prison Service dog and his handler have scooped a prestigious award.

Sport, an English springer spaniel cross, and Dog Handler Simon Secretan won the ‘Service Dog of the Year - Drug Search’ title at the annual British Police and Services Canine Association Dog Trials.

Simon and Sport claimed the honours ahead of dogs and handlers representing services including the British Armed Forces, Police, HM Prison and Ministry of Defence.

The trials test various skills and behaviours, with dogs and handlers working as a team to complete a range of operational challenges against the clock.

Simon and Sport had a 100% success rate in the Drug Search category to take top spot ahead of several very experienced competitors.

Victory is reward for the dedication Simon has shown in training Sport and underlines the high standard and effectiveness of the Isle of Man Prison Service dog section.

It also marks a happier chapter in the life of Sport who was taken in as a stray by an animal welfare sanctuary and spent time at the Dogs Trust after an unsuccessful attempt to re-home him. Luckily his potential was spotted by a member of the North West Area Search Dog School where Island prison dogs are trained and assessed.

Michael Coleman MLC, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service, has congratulated Simon and Sport on their success saying it shows the level of professionalism of Island handlers and their dogs