Detector Dog Service

CBSA detector dog wins national police dog trials

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) detector dog Holly, and her handler Toban, had a great showing at the Canadian Police Canine Association (CPCA) Trials held September 8 to 12, 2010 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Holly, a four-year-old Labrador Retriever, won first place in the detection competition, and competed against other teams from police agencies and correctional services from across Canada. While she was not entered in enough events to be in contention for overall champion, Holly was outstanding in her area of specialization: contraband detection. Holly was the lone CBSA competitor and this was her second year appearing at the CPCA Trials.

There are 70 CBSA detector dog teams strategically located across Canada, serving both travellers and commercial operations. Detector dog Holly began her career in 2007 and is based in southern Saskatchewan. She has dozens of narcotics and firearm seizures to her credit. In fact, during her first week on the job, Holly was instrumental in detecting a handgun hidden in the console of a vehicle.

The CBSA uses dogs like Holly to detect the presence of prohibited or regulated substances and to pinpoint their locations. They help protect Canada's health and safety by detecting illegal narcotics, firearms and currency. They also help prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases by detecting illegal plants, fruits, meat and animals.

Photo caption: CBSA detector dog team Toban and Holly.