NEWSLETTER www.wagtailuk.com Summer 2019 +44 (0)1745 561166 www.wagtailuk.com Sniffing out millions of illegal cigarettes Our sniffer dogs have prevented millions of illegal cigarettes and tonnes of illegal tobacco making it on to the streets. We have teams of fully trained drugs detection dogs working with police forces and Trading Standards officers across the UK. 03 Wagtail scoops new international contract We are delighted to have secured a second contract for 2019 to supply detection dogs to a government agency in the Far East. This contract will see our dogs working on international border control points to detect illegal meat. 09 From unwanted pet to crime-fighting sniffer dog Due to a change in his family’s circcumstances, Dennis the Labrador was soon to be put to sleep. That was until he was rescued by Wagtail - and is now loving life as a highly trained detection dog working at stadiums across the country. 14
A word from Collin Singer, MD FEATURED TOPICS Training Courses Learn more about the detection dog training courses we offer in a range of disciplines Welcome to our very first newsletter, which we hope will give you a better flavour of the vast amount of work we are doing every day, working with our partner agencies including the Home Office, police forcres, Trading Standards, Armed Forces, football clubs and councils to name just a few. Operations Read about some of our operations, ranging from drug detection to conservation work It was a combination of compassion and expertise gained during almost 25 years in the Royal Air Force as an operational explosive dog handler that led me to set up Wagtail UK Ltd back in 2003. Back then, I could never have imagined the company would be recognised as one of the leading specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training internationally. Industry news Understand more about the latest developments in the world of dog detection Case studies Take a closer look at some of our fabulous sniffer dogs and their stories Of course, none of the company’s success would be possible without our fantastic staff and wonderful sniffer dogs. We hope our inaugural newsletter gives you an insight into the vast amount of work that goes on behind the scenes by all involved to help make Wagtail the world’s best. Happy reading!
Millions of illegal cigarettes and tonnes of tobacco off streets thanks to Wagtail UK Ltd Our highly-trained teams of sniffer dogs are responsible for ridding the streets of millions of counterfeit cigarettes and tonnes of illegal tobacco thanks to a number of raids with Trading Standards officers and police forces across the UK. In less than a week in April alone, dogs from Wagtail UK sniffed out five tonnes of illegal tobacco and more than 2 million illegal cigarettes. Our detection dogs work with Trading Standards officers and police forces up and down the country, and recent operations included successful raids in Preston and Burnley with Lancashire County Council, which saw a large haul of illicit tobacco seized from cunning hiding places at two shops. Newspaper reports suggest the illicit products are worth around £12,000 if genuine. The operation on April 24th was mounted with the assistance of Lancashire Police, and one of our highly-skilled detection dogs. The dog was used after officers had been unable to find stashes during previous inspections, despite both shops having sold illicit tobacco during test purchasing operations, and a stream of supporting intelligence. The cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco were found hidden in a flat above the Preston shop, and concealed beneath a manhole cover in the back yard of the Burnley shop. The items were a mixture of counterfeit and non-duty paid tobacco, all in banned colourful child-appealing packaging, and most bearing foreign health warnings. Days earlier, 80,000 cigarettes and 20kg of tobacco, all believed to be counterfeit, were seized with the help of one of our dogs in Stoke-on-Trent - with the goods stashed behind false walls, in hidden cupboards and underneath shelving units. Nine convenience stores across the city were targeted in raids by police, Trading Standards and immigration officials on April 18th and 19th. As well as the tobacco, police also seized two vehicles, a number of mobile phones and £1,000 in cash. Four people were also reported to Immigration Services. Each week, Wagtail has teams of illegal tobacco sniffer dogs out in action across the country. People can get a first-hand experience of their work by signing up to a Detection Dog Taster Day. Visitors spend the day with professional trainers and operational handlers learning more about industry expectations, training standards, methods of training and routes into employment. Taster Days will be held next on Friday, August 2nd and Friday, November 1st. They cost £130, which includes a buffet lunch and refreshments. Call 01745 561166 or email info@wagtailuk.com for more information. Wagtail UK Ltd || www.wagtailuk.com|| +44(0) 1745 561166 03
Event Detection Dogs celebrates first anniversary Wagtail UK Ltd’s sister company, Event Detection Dogs, which specialises in the provision of explosive and drug detection dogs at arenas and stadiums, has celebrated its first anniversary. Event Detection Dogs (EDD) was launched in 2018 to offer football clubs, stadiums and event venues detection dogs that are trained to the same rigorous levels as police dogs. EDD handlers and dogs are specialists in explosive, pyrotechnic, firearms and drug detection, providing safety, assurance and security in an uncertain world. Stadiums and arenas require robust security to protect fans, players, event participants, staff and venues. Explosive threats have become more prevalent, requiring an effective security solution. The use of detection dogs, or sniffer dogs as they are more commonly known, in crowded places provides an extra layer of security, enhancing a stadium/arena’s existing security measures. EDD help to ensure stadiums and arenas are safe and secure before, during and after an event. They provide highly visible qualified detection dogs and qualified professional handlers to support and enhance the existing security measures in place at stadiums and arenas. EDD carry out vehicle screening, pedestrian access/ turnstile screening and stadium/arena searches. The company forms part of the Wagtail Holding group of companies along with Conservation Dogs, which provides specialist detection dogs for protected wildlife and ecological surveys. Wagtail UK Ltd Managing Director, Collin Singer, added: “We created EDD as we wanted to develop a part of the business which was solely dedicated to ensuring safety and security in crowded places. The company is now a year old and our handlers and dogs have helped to secure dozens of arenas and stadiums around the UK. We consistently meet the highest level of performance standards and are members and preferred partners of the Football Safety Officers Association. Our philosophy is simple: Only the Best is Good Enough.’ EDD only select the best dogs: 25% of their dogs are unwanted pets or are from rescue centres, ensuring they are given a good home and life. During training, the dogs are exposed to as many different environments as possible, ensuring the dog is adaptable and flexible to new situations. The Company is Home Office approved to hold real explosive and drug training samples and has a full suite of training aids, believing that training on real substance is best practice and a superior option to pseudo scent samples. The majority of EDD dog handlers come from military or police backgrounds. They are self-motivated, professional and highly trained. All handlers are experienced and well trained in knowing how to navigate complex scenarios. They have experience of working in a variety of environments including Afghanistan, Iraq,The Balkans, Northern Ireland and the UK mainland. EDD are constantly evolving their staff training and continuation training in order to stay ahead of emerging threats and advances in perpetrator techniques. EDD also offer a consultancy service and training, including the training of a venue’s own in-house detection dog teams. We’re celebrating EDD’s success with special offers on our Explosion Detection Dog Handler Courses. Find out more on Page 6
In celebration of EDD: 20% off Explosives Detection Dog Handler Courses To celebrate the success of EDD’s first year, we’re offering 20% off our Explosives Detection Dog Handler Courses. EDD provides explosives detection dogs and handlers to help ensure stadiums and arenas are safe and secure before, during and after an event. The cost of our Explosives Detection Dog Handler Courses is usually £3,995 - but we’ve reduced this to £3,196 for courses throughout 2019 in celebration of a successful year. This is an Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) approved course for which service personnel (both serving and former) may be eligible for funding. Please visit the ELC website for more information on eligibility and funding. Our ELC provider number is 6931. COURSE DETAILS The Wagtail Award in Explosive Detection Dog Handler is a delivery-only learning programme written and owned by Wagtail and endorsed by Highfield Awarding Body of Compliance (HABC). The course takes place at our North Wales Training Centre which is accredited by HABC. Service and ex-service personnel, eligible for the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme, can use their Credits towards funding this course. COURSE OVERVIEW The course is designed to give the student a complete range of skills, allowing them to operate in any peacetime environment either in the UK or overseas. The course has been specifically designed to give you the skills needed to conduct credible explosive detection searches irrespective of environment or client. It will enable learners to work as an explosive detection dog handler either independently or as part of an organisation. In a world which is becoming increasingly volatile with terrorist methodology changing rapidly, we endeavor to deliver a course which relates to current and evolving circumstances and prepares successful candidates for employment in an ever-changing climate. Units covered during the course include: Animal husbandry & welfare; Canine first aid; Logistics & search planning; Canine psychology & training methods; The threat; Search process; Stages of training; Search patterns. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS This programme is approved for delivery to learners aged 18+. Our courses do not require prior dog handling experience. We only take fully trained dogs on our courses and would need to assess your dog prior to the start of the course. If you do not have a trained detection dog you would be able to use a Wagtail UK dog for the duration of the course. It is advised that learners have a level 1 in English (speaking and listening). DURATION The full duration of this course is 26 days which is broken down into 2 modules, each consisting of 13 days. Both modules need to be undertaken to complete the course. The total number of guided learning hours is 160. DELIVERY The course is delivered using a blend of learning styles to suit all candidates and is assessed through a rolling programme of observed assessments and portfolio assignments. It incorporates prescribed lesson plans to ensure all learning objectives are achieved but also incorporates a whole week of search work where lessons and objectives are tailored to the individual learner. This allows the student to focus on areas most pertinent to their learning journey, giving additional support where needed. The course is delivered by our expert instructors who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field, and are currently active within the industry. The hostile environment element delivers generic information and skills including techniques, tactics, and procedures suitable for highrisk locations. Subjects include IED Threat Assessments; Terrorist MO; IED counter measures; Tactical awareness; Advanced search techniques and much more. At the client’s request, this week can be tailored to suit specific geographical locations based on the known or perceived threat. ASSESSMENT The course will be assessed by qualified internal assessors who have many years of search dog experience with military, police and civil sector backgrounds. PAYMENT The total cost of this course (module 1 and module 2) is currently being offered at £3,196. A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. All courses can be paid for in installments, with full payment due 28 days before the course start date. COURSE DATES Wed 4 Sep - Mon 16 Sep (Module 1) Wed 2 Oct - Mon 14 Oct (Module 2) Wagtail Dog Handler course receives Badge of Excellence quality mark - Read more on Page 8
Our other training courses Dual purpose Drug Detection Dog Handler Course - £3,515 Wed 24 July - Tues 13 Aug Wed 6 Nov – Tues 26 Nov Passive Drug Detection Dog Handler Course - £2,310 Wed 24 July - Tues 6 August Wed 6 Nov – Tues 19 Nov This course is aimed at learners looking to gain employment screening people utilising a Passive Drug Detection Dog. It focuses on people search (including portable baggage) and uses a combination of controlled training areas and live environments preparing candidates for transition into the workplace. The learner will be provided with specialised knowledge that is expected from a professional search dog team. It will enable those learners to work as a Passive Drug Detection Dog Handler either independently or as part of an organisation. Here at Wagtail UK Ltd, we believe that the completion of a Dual Purpose Course is the best way to start a career in the field of Drugs Reduction. By completing both Proactive and Passive elements you maximise your capability and the potential client base. This will have a positive impact on earning potential. The course is designed to give you the skills to utilise a search asset to great effect and covers all subjects you require from initial dog selection, through to complex search activities for high profile clientele. This programme is aimed at learners who want to work with passive and proactive drug detection dogs. It gives them the specialised knowledge that is expected from a professional search dog team. The course will enable learners to work as a passive or proactive drug detection dog handler either independently or as part of an organisation. Proactive Drug Detection Dog Handler Course - £1,400 Wed 24 Jul - Tues 30 July (Module 1) Wed 7 Aug - Tues 13 Aug (Module 2) Wed 6 Nov – Tues 12 Nov (Module 1) Wed 20 Nov – Tues 26 Nov (Module 2) The Wagtail Award in Proactive Drug Detection Dog Handler is a delivery-only learning programme written and owned by Wagtail and endorsed by Highfield Awarding Body of Compliance (HABC). The course takes place at our North Wales Training Centre, which is accredited by HABC. Service and ex-service personnel, eligible for the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme, can use their Credits towards funding this course. This programme is aimed at learners who want to work with proactive drug detection dogs and gives them the specialised knowledge that is expected from a professional search dog team. It will enable those learners to work as a proactive drug detection dog handler. either independently or as part of an organisation. Accommodation Self-catering accommodation is available at the recently renovated Wagtail House, in Prestatyn. We are able to offer discounted rates of £25 for a single room and £45 for a double room per night. Please call 01745 561166 or visit www.wagtailuk.com Wagtail International School of Excellence in North Wales is a fully approved centre endorsed by Highfield Awarding Body for Certification. Each course has been specifically designed to meet industry expectations and where appropriate compliant to BS 8517-2-2010. Our courses encompass formal assessment criteria to meet the NASDU format and successful completion of courses is reflected with QCF certification.
Wagtail explosives courses setting the national standard We are delighted to announce Wagtail’s Explosive Detection Dog Handler course has been awarded the Badge of Excellence quality mark by the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE). IExpE are a membership organisation promoting the highest standards in the explosives industry and ensuring the explosives sector has good quality training and educational opportunities available that meet the needs of employers. The awarding of a Badge of Excellence required Wagtail UK and their explosive course to not only be assured by the IExpE’s rigorous quality procedures, but also to be externally recognised to provide excellent training, development and learning provision and meaningful outcomes by a third party. Wagtail International School of Excellence (WISE), Wagtail’s training school, is recognised as an Endorsed Centre, having been externally verified by IExpE to ensure all policies and procedures are in place to ensure safe and effective training. Wagtail are the only detection dog training company to receive Endorsed Centre and Badge of Excellence status. Managing Director, Collin Singer, said: “We are delighted our explosive course has received the Badge of Excellence quality mark from IExpE. This emphasises the consistently high standards we strive to maintain at Wagtail UK and our philosophy to deliver quality without compromise.” The Badge of Excellence demonstrates to those considering an explosive detection dog handler course that Wagtail’s course content has been technically vetted by the professional body for the sector and the quality of training and assessment has been externally assessed. Awards all the way for Team Wagtail! We are delighted to continue Wagtail’s award-winning success, being presented with a number of accolades celebrating our vital work. Recently, the company was presented with the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award as part of Wagtail’s continued work with the Armed Forces Covenant and support of the armed forces community. The Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and defence by going above and beyond their covenant pledges. Wagtail was formally presented with the certificate at a prestigious 2018 Armed Forces in Wales and ERS Silver Awards Ceremony. Wagtail Managing Director, Collin Singer, said: “We’re delighted that our commitment to supporting the armed forces has been recognised with the Silver Award and are very proud to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.” Through a three-tier approach of bronze, silver and gold awards, the scheme recognises the different levels of commitment provided by employers. This allows the Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and honour those organisations for their support. The accolade was presented after Wagtail was honoured for its work at the prestigious Flintshire Business Awards. The twelfth annual Flintshire Business Awards were celebrated at a glittering ceremony at Soughton Hall to recognise excellence and outstanding performance by businesses across the county. Wagtail UK was one of 10 winners on the night, with the accolade presented in front of more than 200 influential businesspeople. Collin said he was surprised and delighted to accept the Flintshire Business Award for Best Business Over 10 Employees. He added: “I’d like to thank all our amazing staff and amazing sniffer dogs for making it possible.” Following the ceremony, Lord Barry Jones, president of Flintshire in Business, paid a visit to Wagtail UK at Halkyn Hall. Mr Singer hosted Lord Jones as well as Flintshire Council vice chair Cllr Marion Bateman and Flintshire Council chief officer Andrew Farrow. Lord Jones said: “Mr Singer’s brilliance has forged a world-renowned specialist company which is in demand everywhere - he certainly has a way with dogs. Mr Singer’s know-how has forged a business that is going places. It is nice to know he kept to his roots, being a Deeside man. Mr Singer was an early winner of a Flintshire in Business Award - we certainly know why.”
New contract sniffing out illegal meat in Far East Proud to support football safety as FSOA sponsor Wagtail UK’s sister company, Event Detection Dogs, is a proud partner of the Football Safety Officers Association, and was delighted to be one of the sponsors of its recent Conference & Exhibition. The FSOA works to improve all aspects of stadium safety, and features membership of more than 350 football and sports clubs from all leagues. Event Detection Dogs was launched in 2018 and soon after became a partner organisation of the FSOA. This partnership has allowed us to build strong relationships with dozens of football clubs who hire our dogs to sniff for drugs, pyrotechnics and explosives at grounds up and down the UK. As a sponsor of the FSOA’s monthly newsletter, we are proud to play a part in supporting the not-for-profit Association with its vital ongoing work to keep spectators safe at sports grounds, whilst we were also delighted to act as a sponsor of the FSOA’s recent Spring AGM Conference & Exhibition, held in Stratford-upon-Avon on March 19th and 20th. The event brings together hundreds of football Safety Officials, as well as dozens of partner organisations, all experts in football safety, and we have already signed up to exhibit at, and sponsor, the organisation’s next event in October. As part of that sponsorship deal, EDD will fund a boat trip along the River Avon which gives guests the chance to network with each other, whilst learning more about the company and other exhibitors from the event safety and security industry. EDD MD, Collin Singer, said: “We are proud of our partnership with the FSOA and delighted to be able to support its pivotal work improving all aspects of safety for the tens of thousands of sports fans who flock to grounds every week.” Wagtail UK Ltd || www.wagtailuk.com|| +44(0) 1745 561166 09 Wagtail UK Ltd has successfully secured a second contract for 2019 to supply detection dogs to a government agency in the Far East. It comes after the company secured a separate contract to provide dogs to detect ‘live animals’, including mammals, birds, reptiles and more. The latest contract requires the dogs to detect ‘illegal meat’, and will see the dogs working on a number of international boundary/border control points. The smuggling of meat significantly increases the risk of spreading the Avian Flu Virus. The dogs will be able to detect a number of different meats including chicken, beef, pork and duck and more. The smuggling of meat is a highly lucrative, illegal trade that is often funding international organised crime and/or terrorism. oni clum, senduce rituus, Ca
“ From War Veteran to Dog Handler In his own words: Iraq veteran Dale’s inspiring story In 2008 I made the incredibly daunting decision to leave the Armed Forces after enlisting straight from school. Having established my career within the Royal Military Police, I deployed on operational tour to Iraq in 2004. On return, it was my aspiration to join the Dog Section and become a GP Handler. However, due to service cut backs, this was no longer an option and I served in other policing roles within the unit. Eventually I felt it was time for a change and decided on a career within a Police Force in civvy street. Having successfully passed the required assessments for the Police, things were on track to a bright future as a police constable. It wasn’t until I entered the world of civvy street that things took a turn for the worst. I was struggling to adjust to civilian life and my mental health was deteriorating rapidly. Not long after, I was diagnosed with PTSD brought on by an incident in Iraq that I was lucky to escape with my life. That said, years of torment blighted my life and I have struggled to settle within any employment opportunities that came around. Years later, I finally sought the help I needed in order to establish some sort of stability in my life. I engaged with Military Veterans service and went through intense therapy. I was then referred to a veterans charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) who assist injured veterans in finding suitable employment. It was there that I learnt of a company called Wagtail UK Ltd, who are incredibly supportive of Military 6% PTSD rates have increased among members of the UK armed forces. The overall rate of probable PTSD among current and ex-serving military personnel was 6% in 2014-16, compared with 4% in 2004-06. Veterans. This reignited my passion for Dog Handling. Quickly contact was established with Adam Vizard from Wagtail via Tom Knight and Gary Lamb at WWTW. Keen to support veterans, it didn’t take long for Wagtail to organise an interview, with the view of sending me on a work placement in France. I attended this placement and had a fantastic time working alongside handlers within the ferry ports seeking out clandestine attempting to enter the UK illegally utilising cargo transportation and coaches. This was a great experience, however it soon became apparent that my lack of knowledge within the dog handling industry meant I wasn’t suitable for this role at that time. Undeterred, I went back to the drawing board and liaised with Tom. Wagtail explained that they hold courses for those wishing to become handlers. I attended a Wagtail Taster Day, where I had the opportunity to explore the options available. This was a very informative day with a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by han
dlers who were only too happy to assist. I witnessed presentations of various dogs throughout the day, which included drug detection, explosives, tobacco, cash and conservation dogs. At the end of this day I had made up my mind that I wanted to train and qualify as a Drug Detection Handler. Walking With the Wounded started negotiations with Wagtail and sourced the funds required to attend this course. Throughout, Wagtail couldn’t do enough to support this process and eventually I was booked on the Level 3 Dual Purpose Drug Detection course, where I was allocated a professional instructor. This course was 3 weeks long and was very intensive. Throughout, I gained as much knowledge as I could possibly obtain and put theory into practice. Wagtail organised live operations with local police forces and a large manufacturing plant, who I was entrusted to work independently with. This was fantastic and gave me much more of an insight into handling outside the classroom environment. As I opted to go self-employed, I required a dog and as I am somewhat inexperienced, it made sense to acquire a trained detection dog. Wagtail procured a dog for me and advised me of the most suitable dog for me. Eventually I was teamed up with a black Labrador called Widgeon. Wagtail identified her potential and spent several months producing an effective working dog, training her to detect all substances that I requested. She can now detect the presence of Cannabis resin/bush, Cocaine, Crack cocaine, MDMA, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Ketamine and Methadrone. Having completed my reteam with Widgeon, it was less than a week before myself and Widgeon would be put to the test. I was offered employment by Security Facilities and Support and tasked to work Cheltenham Festival. On the busiest day some 86,000 people attended. Each day saw a consistent number of attendees throughout the four day period. This was a mammoth task for a green handler and dog team. However, it soon became evident that we were both up to the task. We secured many operational finds to include Cannabis bush, Cannabis grinders, cannabis cigarettes, cocaine, crack cocaine, MDMA and ketamine. I received very good feedback from the organisers and this has paved the way for what I believe will be a long and successful career opportunity. I have finally found after all these years that I now have a sense of purpose and this has helped me establish my place in the civilian world. Wagtail UK Ltd || www.wagtailuk.com|| +44(0) 1745 561166 11
FAQs about Wagtail UK Ltd CAN YOU SUPPLY DOG TEAMS ABROAD? Yes. We have pet passported dogs for overseas operational searches. These dogs are trained for explosives, drugs, cash, tobacco and body detection. CAN YOU HELP WITH THE LOGISTICS OF SETTING UP A NEW DOG SECTION ABROAD, INCLUDING DOG PROCUREMENT AND TRAINING, AS WELL AS HANDLER TRAINING? Yes. We offer full project management, the supply of dogs, recruitment of suitable handlers and the appropriate siting of a dog section. We arrange all relevant veterinary requirements for the dogs and shipping from the UK to anywhere in the world. ARE YOU ABLE TO TRAIN HANDLERS BASED OVERSEAS? Yes. We have highly experienced and skilled ex UK Armed Forces and Police Instructors. Our team has experience in various hostile environments including Northern Ireland, Iraq, The Balkans, and Afghanistan. They are experienced in training foreign nationals from a number of different countries. CAN YOU HELP WITH PROVIDING HANDLERS FOR WORK OVERSEAS? Yes. We can connect with a range of international companies requiring personnel to work overseas. ARE YOU ABLE TO BE CALLED OUT LAST MINUTE? Yes. We have teams available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. IS WAGTAIL UK LTD ABLE TO ASSIST US WITH A NEW VENTURE AND TRAIN DOGS TO FIND ITEMS OTHER THAN DRUGS AND EXPLOSIVES? Yes. As well as drugs and explosives, we can provide dogs and handlers for a range of projects including the detection of animal scats, animal carcasses, and mice. DO YOU HAVE OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE ABROAD? Yes. We have worked with detection dogs and provided services all around the world. This includes mainland Europe, The Middle East, The Far East, and North America. ARE YOUR HANDLERS QUALIFIED AND DBS CHECKED? Yes. We operate a very strict recruiting system. Handlers require licenses and DBS and Home Office checks where appropriate. DO YOU REHOME EX WORKING DOGS? Yes. Wagtail ensures that both ex working dogs and dogs that haven’t made the grade are rehomed appropriately at Red Paw Rehoming. Red Paw exclusively deals with dogs that have trained to be detection dogs, meaning the breeds often available are Labradors, Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds. Search dogs usually retire from work between 8 and 10 years of age, and on some occasions their handlers take them on. However, when this is not possible, Flint-based Red Paw finds suitable, loving forever homes for them. For more information about Red Paw call 01745 561166.
We’re hiring! Do you have what it takes to Join our team? Wagtail on the lookout for new recruits! Due to a huge increase in demand for our sniffer dogs and detection services, Wagtail UK is looking for new canine recruits to join our highly successful team. Our dogs get the best in life and an opportunity to reach their full potential. Ideally, dogs should be of working dog breed, have high drive and enthusiasm and be between 9 months and 3 years old. If you are looking to re-home your dog, please contact info@ wagtailuk.com for more information. Our experienced staff use a variety of modern, reward-based training methods to ensure all our new recruits thrive and enjoy their day. Our dogs help to detect a variety of illegal substances in the UK and overseas. Outside work, they have ample spare time for woodland walks, beachcombing and adventure in the hills. In retirement, a loving home is carefully chosen by our dedicated rehoming centre, Redpaw Rehoming. We have vacancies available for instructors and detection dog handlers to join our multi-award-winning team. Wagtail specialises in detection dogs for explosives, drugs, tobacco and products of animal origin such as ivory, working with a number of government agencies and partners, including UK Border Force, HM Revenue and Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces. We pride ourselves on a philosophy of delivering quality without compromise, and are delighted to be expanding our team as demand for our sniffer dogs and detection services continues to grow. The role of instructor will involve working from the detection dog handling school in Flint, North Wales, delivering a wide range of pre-prepared structured courses to both private clients and company employees, both practical and classroom based. Candidates will need to have proven detection dog handling experience with explosive and drugs searches and be a qualified assessor or instructor. A background within the military or police force is desired, but not essential. We also have vacancies for Detection Dog Handlers to form part of a team providing support for a high-profile UK Government contract in Northern France. The job involves one week working in Northern France, where accommodation will be provided, before returning to the UK for a week off. Duties include carrying out external search exercises on vehicles and communicating to the Search Team for further investigation when necessary, general kennel duties, ensuring the welfare of each dog in your care, and completing a range of administrative reports including dog training, health checks, vehicle inspection, and incident reports. Although not essential, proven dog handling experience with search and/ or patrol dogs and the ability to speak French is desirable for the role. More information about these vacancies is available at https://www.wagtailuk.com/vacancies/ CVs and cover letters should be sent to info@wagtailuk.com We pride ourselves on delivering quality without compromise. Wagtail UK Ltd || www.wagtailuk.com|| +44(0) 1745 561166 13
Meet some of our sniffer dogs From unwanted pet to crime-fighting sniffer dog Dennis the Labrador is a remarkable dog. Highly trained to sniff out explosives and pyrotechnics, the three-year-old Labrador forms part of the Event Detection Dogs team that works at arenas, stadiums and events up and down the country. It’s hard to believe that before his crime-fighting career, the lively three-year-old faced being put to sleep by his former owners due to a change in their family circumstances which had made him difficult to manage. Instead, he was taken in by the Wagtail team who have transformed his life. Fortunately, the trainers at Wagtail were able to work with him and train him to become an amazing explosive sniffer dog. He is now enjoying 70% of our dogs are unwanted pets or from rescue centres life as a sniffer dog where he is able to make the most of his almost limitless energy and scenting abilities. Like Dennis, more than 70% of the dogs at Wagtails are unwanted pets or are from rescue centres. Pet dogs are often ‘given up’ or rehomed due to a number of different reasons. A change in work patterns, moving home, illness or other family circumstances can often lead to the heartbreaking decision for owners that a pet needs to be placed in rescue kennels. Typically, working breeds such a Labradors, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels make the most effective sniffer dogs, whilst cross breeds are also suitable, with Wagtails training a number of ‘Springadors’ and ‘Sprockers’. The selection process and subsequent training for its sniffer dogs is very tough. The dogs must have naturally high drive and retrieve instincts and a willingness to work - along with the intelligence and determination that is needed from a working dog. They must be friendly with people and sociable with other animals. The reward-based training is fun for the dogs and they thoroughly enjoy their work. Outside work, the dogs have ample spare time for woodland walks, beach combing and adventures in the hills. Collin Singer said: “Dennis has turned out to be a fantastic snifffer dog. It could have been a very different story, but thankfully we were able to see his potential and train him succesfully to detect explosives. Many of our dogs are former rescue dogs, and it is always a pleasure to see their development into highly skilled and happy working dogs.” Say hi to our new recruit, ‘Bailey’! Meet Bailey, the latest four-legged recruit to join the Wagtail family. Springer Spaniel Bailey was too enthusiastic for life as a pet dog, but has now found his true vocation as a k9 crime fighter! He has started his training to become a tobacco detection dog. We’ll keep you posted about Bailey’s journey over the coming months.
Wagtail named ‘Employer of the Year’ at prestigious Awards ceremonyed pet Wagtail UK Ltd has been named ‘Employer of the Year’ at the prestigious Welsh Veterans Awards, which aim to inspire business leaders of the future. The Welsh Veterans Awards recognise veterans in business, fitness, sport and the wider community. The awards were sponsored by TASC Holdings Ltd and held in Support of The ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. A presentation ceremony was held at the Village Hotel & Leisure Club, in Swansea, on 26th June. Wagtail UK Managing Director, Collin Singer, said he was delighted to have even made the shortlist for the award, and even more delighted to have won! The award was accepted by Anne-Marie Hughes, Business Operations Manager at Wagtail UK Ltd (pictured right). A spokesperson for the Welsh Veterans Awards said: “Well done to everyone who was shortlisted as finalists. We had a huge amount of applications and the shortlisting process was extremely difficult. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put forward nominations. “We want to inspire our future service leaders that great things can happen. It’s them who will act as role models, and in some cases as mentors. Positivity breeds positivity.” Wagtail’s award-winning services on show The services of Wagtail’s award-winning detection dogs were showcased at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Symposium 2019. As a Corporate Affiliate Member of the CTSI, Wagtail works with Trading Standards bodies across the country, using sniffer dogs to help officers detect illegal tobacco, drugs and cash. It is the 9th time Wagtail has attended the Symposium, and the 6th year the company was a sponsor of the event, which was this year held at Hilton Brighton Metropole, in Brighton, from June 10-12. During the Symposium, our CTSI award-winning tobacco sniffer dog, Alfie, met Kelly Tolhurst, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility. (Pictured below) Following on from the success of the event, Wagtail’s Managing Director, Collin Singer, flew to Madrid to take part in a panel discussion at The BORDERPOL Global Forum. Wagtail works with international border officials, with its dogs specially trained to detect firearms, explosives, drugs, cash, tobacco and products of animal origin including ivory, pangolin scale, bush meat, leopard skin and ‘live’ animals. The BORDERPOL Global Forum gave Wagtail the chance to network with other international border companies, allowing us to exchange information and learn new ways to plan and solve the critical issues faced by border agencies worldwide. Sniffer dogs showcased at security expo Wagtail showcased its services during a high-profile security expo. The Security Event at Birmingham’s NEC brought together a world-class education programme, market leaders and industry experts in UK security. Managing Director, Collin Singer, said: “It was a very productive event for us with some excellent speakers, and gave us the chance to speak to hundreds of attendees about our highly-trained detection dogs in the worlds of explosives, illegal tobacco, cash and conservation.” The next Security Event is planned for April 28-30 2020. Wagtail UK Ltd || www.wagtailuk.com|| +44(0) 1745 561166 15
Industry News Jail for criminal sniffed out by police dog A man who was found with an estimated £720,000 of cocaine in his van has been jailed for nine years, thanks in part to the efforts of a specialist detection dog. On March 4 this year, 25-year-old Jake Layzell was stopped by police officers while travelling along the A130 near South Woodham Ferrers. His vehicle was searched by police under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and, with the use of a specialist detection dog, £2000 in cash was found in his jacket pocket. The dog, which has been specially trained to detect cash, firearms or drugs, continued to search the van and indicated that something was, or had been kept, in a professionally fitted metal store within the van. The area appeared to be empty. The vehicle was taken to Harwich International Port to be scanned using specialist X-ray equipment belonging to the UK Border Force. The scan revealed that there was an area concealed behind the metal story, which was being kept in place by two large electromagnets. A total of six kilograms of cocaine and 35 grams of cannabis bud were found. Officers continue to inspect the van and found seven counterfeit £20 notes, five mobile phones - two of which were heavily encrypted devices - and a document confirming him as the registered owner of the van. Layzell, 25, of Newland Street, Witham, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis. He was jailed for nine years for his crimes, plus a further one month for possession of cannabis, which will run concurrently. (Source: East Anglian Daily Times) Detection dogs helping to stem prison drugs crisis Extra measures to prevent drugs in prisons - including increasing numbers of detection dogs and handlers - have been introduced on some sites after an official report warned drug use in jails is now “widespread”. Made worse by the emergence of psychoactive substances, a recent report revealed that the scale of the problem is “significant” and has become more challenging in recent years. The Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service said: “The misuse of drugs in prison is one of the biggest challenges facing our criminal justice system today. “Drug misuse is prevalent and contributes to violence, crime and vulnerability within prisons, which threatens safety and the ability of our hard-working prison staff to deliver effective regimes.” Prisons Minister, Rory Stewart, said extra measures for drug detection had been introduced in 10 of the country’s most challenging prisons. The 10 Prisons Project was announced in August 2018 and is being funded by an initial £10 million investment. Various measures have already been implemented. Each prison now has extra specialist staff and teams in place, including a drugs strategy manager, additional entry searching staff and more dog handlers. The measures also include scanners which can detect invisible traces of drugs, including psychoactive substances, soaked into clothing and paper – a technique increasingly used by criminals attempting to smuggle drugs into prisons. These prisons are also investing in changes to the prison environment to improve decency and provide clean and appropriate sanitation as well as refurbish cells and shared areas. (Sources: Gov.uk; Huffpost; BBC)
Top cop calls for more sniffer dogs after rise in cocaine-fuelled football disorder The rise in disorder at football games is connected to the increased prevalence of cocaine use inside stadiums, the UK’s national lead on football policing has said - as he encouraged greater use of detection dogs at grounds. The Independent reported a dramatic 45% rise in disorder at football stadiums over the past two seasons, with overall incidents, cases of serious disorder and assaults on stewards all on the rise. Breach of segregation lines offences were up 14% last season, whilst there have been high-profile incidents of fans running onto the pitch to confront players at Hibernian, Arsenal and Birmingham City. In an interview with The Independent, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council football policing lead, said this spate of pitch incursions were part of a “deteriorating situation in terms of disorder”, and fears that British football fans are “going back rapidly in terms of disorder”. Overall disorder incidents jumped 36% in the 2016-17 season and increased again last year. In the Championship there was a 13% increase in disorder and 24% increase in serious disorder last season. According to the publication, DCC Roberts said the rise in disorder is connected to the steady rise of cocaine consumption in the UK. “It is one of those things that you can only identify if you arrest someone, test them and then prove possession,” DCC Roberts said. “But we know that at one recent game, a force conducted a specific operation and arrested 15 people for possession at one game. That shows that it is happening.” “Last year there was a 10% increase in arrests for drug possession, but that depends on people being arrested in general terms “While the reduction in use of cannabis was reduced, arrests for cocaine doubled from 32 to 68. That is a snapshot, but there is enough there to suggest there is clearly a prevalent use of cocaine, and that does affect behaviour at football games. And when people take it, they react in a way that becomes more problematic for police. As we see in the nighttime economy. “The problem is that there is little enthusiasm for the type of searches that would be required to stop fans from taking drugs into stadiums. Especially as police numbers at football matches are already being cut, not least since the Supreme Court ruled last year that police forces, rather than football clubs, were responsible for paying for policing immediately outside grounds on matchdays. “Invasive searches are a non-starter, but greater use of drug detection dogs is a positive option.” Inspector Andy Bridgewater, who runs West Midlands Police Football Unit, said: “There is a really strong correlation today between cocaine use and football-related violence. Last month WMP ran what they described as a “positive, proactive and overt” operation at Coventry City’s game with Burton Albion, outside the hospitality boxes at the Ricoh Arena. Their drug detection dogs found five indications of cocaine possession and three arrests were made. (Source: The Independent) FSOA statement endorses EDD to clamp down on drugs in stadiums The possibility of illegal drugs being taken into stadiums is an issue that is considered by all football clubs, or those responsible for stadium safety and security, during risk assessments ahead of games or events. “Although there is not currently a standard policy in place regarding the detection of drugs in stadiums, The FSOA would advise those responsible for safety and security to consider the use of sniffer dogs, if their detailed risk assessments deem it appropriate to do so. “Among the FSOA’s corporate partners is Event Detection Dogs - part of Wagtails UK - which provides sniffer dogs at turnstiles to reduce the risk of drugs being taken into grounds, as well as pyrotechnics and explosives in the stands. The use of illegal drugs has implications on fan behaviour, which is why we would remind clubs and those responsible for stadium safety and security that assistance is available from companies such as EDD to proactively reduce this risk.”
Conservation Dogs: The UK’s Best Conservation dogs is an innovative, pioneering and unique sister company to Wagtail UK Ltd. Our dogs have many years of field experience locating scats, carcasses, wildlife and assisting in surveys and species identification. It is the UK’s leading supplier of wildlife detection dogs for the UK and International operations, to assist with conservation needs and ecological surveys. Carcass Detection Every species of bat is protected under EU law. Their protection is not only a necessity but a requirement. Conducting surveys into their mortality rates is common place around wind turbines, new roads and building construction. We have multiple dog teams available to cover large areas searching for bat carcasses; locating, collecting, storing and recording all relevant information using a well planned and executed methodology. We can also conduct searcher efficiency trials, allowing the client to test the effectiveness of the dogs in the detection of bat carcasses. Last year, we were involved in 16 separate efficiency trials, in different landscapes across the UK. Our dogs proved to be over 90% effective at detecting bat carcasses. Product of Animal Origin Detection We have formed detection dog units and handler training in Gabon and Tanzania in the fight against wildlife poaching. Elephant ivory, iboga root, bush meat, shark fin, pangolin scales, and animal pelts are highly prized items for poachers. Our dogs are not only trained to detect the items at train stations, road blocks and airports, but they can also track poachers from a recent kill Scat Detection One of the most effective ways of determining population sizes in areas and the success of reintroduction projects for elusive species, is to perform DNA tests on animal scats. Here at Conservation dogs we have trained a detection dog to locate scats of pine martens, and conducted discrimination training on other ‘similar’ scats to ensure it is only pine marten scats that the dog detects. As pine martens choose to follow pathways through woodland, the dog and handler teams will walk the paths through chosen areas and GPS locate and collect any scats detected by the dog. This service can be replicated for any chosen species Live Animal Detection Clearing areas of protected and endangered species can be costly and time consuming. We have trained detection dogs that can make this process more efficient and effective. Great Crested Newts (GCN) are a protected species, and so their disturbance or destruction is illegal. GCNs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and GCNs are also classified as European Protected Species (EPS) under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. GCNs on construction sites have to be trapped and relocated to ponds away from any building work. Clearing areas of protected and endangered species can be costly and time consuming. Working closely with the construction industry and ecologists, our specially trained detection dogs can make this process quicker, more efficient and more cost effective. Our detection dog can assist construction companies and ecologists in the locating of GCNs for removal whilst trapping out, as well as identifying areas where newts might be (rock piles/log piles etc) that may have had to be hand searched, therefore speeding up the process of safe removal.
Conservation Dogs launch taster session Building on their vast experience and knowledge, Conservation Dogs have launched a unique one-day Conservation Detection Dog Taster Session. Members of the public can come along to Conservation Dogs’ training centre in North Wales to learn about this exciting field of detection dog training. Wagtail UK and Conservation Dog Handler/Trainer Aran Clyne (BSc), will be sharing the knowledge of seven years’ worldwide experience training and handling these specialist detection dogs. “We were receiving a number of enquiries from ecologist and conservationists regarding our work with Conservation Dogs and have developed this taster session to cover the basics for anyone wishing to work with conservation dogs and provide a hands-on experience,” said Aran. Whether you are a dog trainer, handler, biologist, ecologist, conservationist or just simply interested in learning more about conservation detection dogs, this is the course for you! The next Conservation Taster Session will take place on Friday 15 November 2019. The Taster Sessions cost £130, which includes a buffet lunch and refreshments. Full details of the Taster Session, dates and other information can be found here and at Conservation Dogs website: www.conservationdogs.com Please call 01745 561166 or email info@wagtailuk.com to book your place. Arnie is top dog on GCN testing day! Congratulations to our stunning sniffer dog, Arnie, who has completed a testing phase for Great Crested Newt detection. Conservation Dogs already has one scientifically tested GCN detection dog in Rocky, with Arnie set to become the second very shortly. Well done Arnie! Visit www.conservationdogs.com for more information 19
DID YOU KNOW? A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses, mainly its sense of smell, to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, illicit tobacco and also detect endangered species which have a low detection probability, such as Great Crested Newts. A dog’s sense of smell is thousands of times stronger, and far more sensitive than that of a human’s. The training is based on a ‘reward system’. The dogs are carefully selected for their high drive and enthusiasm, sociability and ability to work in sometimes challenging areas. The training and work is fun for the dogs. We train them to detect a scent and they are rewarded with a tennis ball or their favourite toy. Wagtail UK Ltd was established in 2003 and provides detection dogs and related services for government agencies such as UK Border Force, HM Revenue & Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces. Wagtail is contracted by the UK Border Force to provide ‘Body Detection Dogs’ (for illegal immigrants) in Northern France 24/7, 365 days a year. ‘Conservation Dogs’, Wagtail’s sister company, is an innovative pioneering company providing a centre for training of specialist detection dogs for both Wildlife Crime Detection and Wildlife Conservation, whilst Event Detection Dogs was launched in 2018 to provide specialist dogs and handlers to sniff out drugs, pyrotechnics and explosives and event venues. An international, multi-award winning company, Wagtail dogs can detect, firearms, explosives, drugs, cash, tobacco and products of animal origin including ivory, pangolin scale, bush meat, leopard skin ‘live’ animals, bats and Great crested newts. Our handlers have extensive experience of working in international military and civil operations, in accordance with guidelines stipulated by the British Armed Forces and Home Office. NEED OUR HELP? Visit us at www.wagtailuk.com Call us on 44(0)1745 561166 Email us on info@wagtailuk.com Chat with us on twitter @WagtailUK_dogs
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