Paw patrol – police dogs are helping to keep Cambridgeshire’s streets safe

An emaciated dog found wandering the streets has started a new life as a police dog after completing her training.

Two-year-old Mally, who now has the name of Cleo, was taken to a shelter in October last year after being discovered severely underweight and in poor health.

But an incredible turnaround has seen the abandoned Belgian Malinois become a service dog after her talents for learning were noticed.

She was one of six recruits to recently graduate from police training and join the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire police dog unit, which helps protect the streets of all three counties.

Cleo was found wandering loose in Slough in Berkshire last autumn and investigations revealed that shortly before that she had been tied up to a road sign and left for hours in the pouring rain before freeing herself.

After no one came to claim her in the statutory holding period of one week, she was put up for rehoming.

One of the kennelling providers used by the council became aware of the dog, took her on, and did some initial rehabilitation work - and renaming her Cleo.

Her aptitude for learning was soon recognised, and she was offered to the military, the Prison Service, and the police as a service dog before being snatched up by the police.

Cleo has been teamed with handler PC Becky Clark, and graduated alongside Boz, Obi, Armour, Zeus, and Kylo, who like Cleo will be protecting the area’s streets.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said it had been a "pawsome effort from all".

Meanwhile, there were celebrations too for PC Mark West and his police dog Hugo, who recently completed their Explosives Detection Dogs Handlers course.

Mark and Hugo’s new qualification will support and enhance the dog unit’s delivery across the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

A Cambridgeshire police spokesperson said: “These dog and handler units are vital in detecting explosives and threats, thereby preventing potential acts of terrorism, and preventing harm or loss of life. Well done Mark and Hugo.”