First-ever MNR canine team for northwest unveiled

A Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer showed the ability of his two dogs to catch poachers at a demonstration last Wednesday in Thunder Bay.
This is the ministry’s first canine unit to be located in Northwestern Ontario, with Dryden as the home base.
Handler Bryon Cosgrove demonstrated how his canine partners, “Bandit” and “Riggs,” can uncover evidence by detecting wildlife, fish, and firearms.
The dogs also can track violators and people who are lost. As well, they can be used to patrol borders and assist at ministry road check stations.
The demonstration took place at the MNR Natural Resource Centre in Thunder Bay.
“‘Bandit,’ ‘Riggs,’ and I were busy all this fall during the moose and deer hunting season in Northwestern Ontario,” said Cosgrove.
“For instance, ‘Bandit’ and I located a deer kill site 10 days after a deer had been illegally killed in Wildlife Management Unit 8 in the Dryden area.
“‘Bandit’ found small pieces of hair and hide in the bush, and the head and antlers about 120 metres away from the kill site,” he noted. “Wolves had scattered the carcass all through the bush.
“The investigating officer said he would have never found it without the help of the K-9 unit.
“These dogs are great in finding evidence needed to prosecute offenders,” Cosgrove added. “They are invaluable in assisting officers who protect the legal use of Ontario’s natural resources.”
Cosgrove said the unit prefers to use Labrador retrievers because of their exceptional hunting and detection skills.
“Labs are resilient, don’t mind getting wet, and aren’t afraid to enter and search densely-wooded areas,” he noted. “Only one out of about 30 Labrador retrievers meets the qualifications to become a service dog.”
“The Investigative Support and Canine Services Unit was created to enhance the enforcement capabilities of conservation officers,” said Brian Morrison, supervisor of the unit and the man responsible for its creation.
“They patrol more than 100 million square kilometres, protecting wildlife, lakes, rivers, and forests in Ontario,” he added. “Conservation officers ensure the province’s natural resources are safe from waste, abuse, and depletion so people can enjoy and benefit from them.”
Canine teams are located in Sudbury, Guelph, Pembroke, and now Dryden. They are on call year-round and must be able to travel where needed.
Each team responds to about 200 calls a year.
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).