KPD seeks funds for drug dog

McMahon's Auto and Diesel Repair, of Kennett, donates a check to the City of Kennett's pursuance of a trained canine to aid law enforcement in the surrounding area. From left, Kennett Alderman Mark Ellis, Kennett Police Chief Barry Tate, and McMahon's Auto and Diesel Repair representative, Bobby McMahon. Staff photo by Joshua Payne

The Kennett Police Department is currently requesting donations from the community and surrounding areas in order to obtain a drug dog to provide 24-hour service to the City of Kennett and surrounding areas.

The department noted that the canine would be fully trained and acquired to assist in the ongoing fight against narcotics, along with other law enforcement aspects in the area.

Once obtained, the canine will be trained in obedience, building searches, tracking (criminal and non criminal, such as missing persons), and criminal apprehension, according to the Kennett Police Department.

The department added that the canine will also be able to detect multiple major narcotics, during building and vehicle searches, that are frequently found in the area.

Upon arrival, the canine will be fully trained and will spend a ten day "bonding period" with the assigned handler, according to the department. After completion of the "bonding period," the canine and handler will complete a certified course through the North American Police Work Dog Association, as Canine Unlimited.

Once the certification course is completed, the canine and handler will immediately be available to begin providing 24-hour service to the city and surrounding area, according to the Kennett Police Department.

Department officials noted that, due to budget restraints, the only way the city can finance the expenses, associated with the acquisition, is to receive support in the forms of donations from the community and surround area.

The officials added that the funding would only be used to fund the canine and other purchases directly associated with the canine including training, travel expenses, supplies, and needs.

The estimated total for the canine and equipment required is $7,000, according to the Kennett Police Department.

The price of the canine and training alone will be $2,500, through Canine Unlimited.

One business donating funds to the department is McMahon's Auto and Diesel Repair, who is challenging all businesses in the surrounding area to donate funds for the project.

During a previous Kennett City Council meeting in reference to pursuing a canine, Mayor Roger Wheeler, Sr., said, "That is a great idea and I would like to see it happen."

Also in response to the motion to pursue the dog, Alderman Larry McDowell said, "This is not only good for the city, but the entire county through the Sheriff's Department."

For further information on the project contact Kennett Police Chief Barry Tate at (573) 888-4622.