Top dog Ted hangs up his police collar

Springer spaniel Ted is a highly-trained drugs and firearms sniffer, but is now retiring to live in the Sawtry countryside where he will enjoy a well-earned rest.

Ted was given to the force as a gift and career highlights include being the face of the force Facebook page and performing on camera at a media event.

PC Jason Keir, who has been Ted’s handler and constant companion since 2004, said: “Ted is a real personality and an excellent police dog. Over the years he has found firearms and large amounts of drugs and cash and helped lock criminals up to keep the public safe.”

During his service, Ted had two ligament operations on both his back legs at different times, which would normally mean early retirement, but he made such a good recovery after both operations that he managed another two years’ service.

PC Keir added: “I visit him in his new home to ensure he has settled in, and he is still so energetic. He still spends hours playing with his beloved tennis ball or collecting rotten apples from his new owners’ garden and stacking them in his new home to play with later.

“After having Ted for nearly nine years I do miss him and so do my children but I know he is having a nice life being spoilt, sleeping on a sofa and living indoors for the first time.”