Rescue labrador begins career in police search team

An "amazing" 18-month-old rescue labrador has embarked on a new life with a police dog unit.

Dexter was rescued by the Cardiff branch of Dogs Trust in January, where staff noticed his strong working instinct.

He was put forward for training and, after passing with flying colours, has now joined the ranks of Wiltshire Police as a specialist search dog.

Cindy Hargreave, Dexter's trainer, said he was settling in well. "Some dogs need to work and love to work," she said. "To see them fulfilling that role and thriving is really heart-warming."

Dexter's handler, PC Vicki Pegrum, said she "instantly fell in love" with him

Ms Hargreave added: "The work within the police is really demanding and what they require from a dog is really high level.

"These dogs need to have that stimulation to keep their brains active to keep them enriched."

Dexter lives at home with his handler PC Vicki Pegrum who said he was an "amazing dog" with a "phenomenal" drive.

"One of my dog trainers went down to meet Dexter and instantly fell in love with him, as did I," PC Pegrum said.

With his new role, Dexter will sniff out illicit substances to assist his human colleagues.

He joined Wiltshire Police through the Animal Welfare Visitors scheme, which was launched nationally in 2002 to ensure that the training, housing and transport of police dogs meet high animal welfare standards.

Dexter will help his colleagues to sniff out illicit substances

Wiltshire Police joined the scheme in 2024 and have trained three dogs rehomed through the Dogs Trust.

Louise Crawford, from the trust, said: "I am delighted that Dexter has completed his training and is now a fully licensed police dog.

"Rescue dogs have so much to offer and can achieve great things, as Dexter's story illustrates.

"We wish him a long and happy career with Wiltshire Police."