ONE of the Isle of Man Constabulary's working police dogs has given birth to eight puppies.

The Dog Unit has revealed that Saxon, who is a German Shepherd, gave birth to the litter around five weeks ago.

She was bred with Brodie, another working German Shepherd, who joined the police force in 2008.

Sergeant Ian Kelly, who heads up the Dog Unit and is responsible for Saxon, has been looking after the puppies – six girls and two boys – and said they are all doing well.

The Dog Unit is planning to keep one of the female puppies for "succession planning" with the aim of it becoming a working dog and Sergeant Kelly will take responsibility for this.

Two of the puppies will be sent to Cumbria Constabulary and it is hoped that another can be donated to the UK charity Service Dogs UK and International (SDUKI).

SDUKI provides police forces with funding for training and helps with dog acquisition – especially during times of financial restraint.

In return the Isle of Man Constabulary's Dog Unit will be assisted with funding for a training course in the UK which will help to further develop the Island’s police dogs and handlers.

Discussions are also on-going with the Metropolitan Police Force and other UK police forces to see if they are interested in taking any of the remaining puppies.

Any puppies which are left will be advertised on-Island.

Saxon is expected to return to service in around a month but will be handled by another dog handler whose current police dog is near retirement.

Sergeant Kelly said he was "really pleased" with how the breeding process has turned out.

He said: "It has been really interesting, very enjoyable and, although hard work, extremely satisfying.

"I generally start at about 6.30am and the last feed/exercise is about 10pm. Saxon has been brilliant – with no complications to date – and I couldn't have done it without my wife who has done as much as me!
 
"We are really pleased with how well this has worked out and the strong links we have with Cumbria and SDUKI are further benefited too.
 
"Sourcing quality dogs is an ongoing challenge for all forces and we are pleased to assist. In return we get the help we need in respect of training and mutual aid from strong partners – which in turn help us provide a better service to the Island."

All pictures kindly provided by Sergeant Kelly. 

Also see: The latest recruit to join the Island's police force - Angus the 10 week old puppy