Service dogs retire from Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

After eight years of service, two dogs from the Canine Services Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have finally retired.

Tanner, a 10-year old male retriever mix, and Cinder, a nine-year old female black lab, officially finished their duties on June 30.

The canines were trained as general police service dogs. Their primary duties included detection work for recovery of evidence, tracking for human scent and handler protection.

Over the years, the dogs responded to thousands of calls for service from Ontario conservation officers, the MNRF stated in a news release. The dogs also took part in events to promote conservation in Ontario, including in schools, shows, exhibitions, Ontario Parks and with stakeholder groups.

Tanner was rescued from a shelter in Greater Sudbury. He and his handler worked out of the Bancroft ministry office and served eastern Ontario.

Cinder was purchased from a breeder in the Barrie area. She and her handler worked out of the North Bay ministry office and served northeastern Ontario.

The ministry says the dogs will be spending their retirement years with their handlers. 

Tanner and Cinder received honorary badges during a ceremony in Sudbury.

The MNRF's Canine Services Unit was established in 1990 in Sudbury. Last year, the unit celebrated more than 25 years of detecting and protecting Ontario's natural resources.