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ODD recognised in Scottish Parliament

January 30, 2023

We’re honoured to have had the arrival of our new search dog, Keegan, and the work of the charity recognised in Scottish Parliament earlier this month.

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur (pictured) lodged the motion and it has gone on to gain cross-party support.

The full text of the motion reads:

“That the Parliament welcomes Keegan, a one-and-a-half-year-old sprocker, who has taken up the role as Orkney’s second drugs dog; understands that Keegan began his new role in the run-up to the festive period after arriving in Orkney from the West Midlands Police Dog Training Centre, where he was fully trained in drugs detection; further understands that Keegan joins forces with Zoe, a five-year-old Labrador, who has been involved with what it considers very successful drugs detection as Orkney’s first drugs dog since 2019 alongside handler, Kevin Moar; believes that Keegan will be deployed with Zoe on a regular basis at key transport, freight and mail sites, as well as visiting local schools and community groups to deliver educational programmes in partnership with Police Scotland; believes that the purchase of Keegan was funded by money raised through the winning Youth and Philanthropy Initiative team at Stromness Academy, the McKinstry Company’s Will Aid event, and by Highland Park staff’s sponsored walk; considers that the arrival of Keegan is a significant milestone for the Orkney Drugs Dog charity, and will provide greater capacity and resilience for drugs detection in the isles; thanks all those who support the charity, and wishes Keegan the very best of success.”