MNR canine team holds demo

A Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer and canine handler and his partner demonstrated a variety of skills, which they will use in protecting Ontario’s natural resources, in Thunder Bay last Wednesday (Aug. 20).
Andy Heerschap and his partner, “Bear,” are one of three new teams in the Canine Services Unit of the ministry. Heerschap and Bear are located in Thunder Bay while the other two new teams are located in North Bay and Bancroft.
Three other teams already are working out of Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury.
“The Canine Services Unit plays an important role in protecting Ontario’s natural resources,” said Heerschap. “I’ll be working with conservation officer Bryon Cosgrove and his partner, ‘Riggs,’ who are located in Dryden.
“We will be helping district conservation officers primarily in Northwestern Ontario, but we are also available to work throughout the province,” he added.
The Canine Services Unit was established in 1990 to assist conservation officers in:
•the detection and recovery of evidence and concealed fish and wildlife species;
•high visibility patrols to deter violators;
•tracking of violators from poaching and/or crime scenes;
•outreach/education; and
•search and rescue.
Quick facts
•Canine units are located strategically across the province.
•Canine units are trained to a very high standard, required to attend canine refresher training sessions, and are fully-trained police service dogs.
•Canine units provide assistance to the police and other enforcement agencies when required.
•Canines accompany their handlers every day to work and ride with them in boats, snowmachines, helicopters, and ATVs.
•The dogs trained for the Canine Service Unit generally are hunting breeds such as Labrador retrievers or retriever mixes.