A NORTHERN Irish police dog has come top of his class for the second year running at the National Police Dog Trials in Bristol.
Belgian Malinois PD Mike receiving his award at this year's NPDT in Bristol. (Picture: PSNI)PD Mike, a Belgian Malinois, and his handler won the 57th NPDT, hosted by Avon and Somerset Constabulary during a four day event last weekend.
The National Police Dog Trials sees Britain's most highly-trained police service dogs tested on skills like persuing criminals, tackling armed assailants, searching for contraband, as well as general agility, discipline and obedience.
These tasks are designed to put the dogs and their handlers through real life scenarios which they could experience while on active duty.
It's the second win by the duo, after they won the 56th event last year when the PSNI hosted the trials in Northern Ireland last year, and they are the first team to retain their title in 20 years.
The PSNI said the trials give handlers and dogs the opportunity to promote their skills and share best practice in the areas of safety, control and efficiency.
Superintendent Mark Sellers, who is the Head of Tri-Force between Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire Police said: "Police dog teams are a crucial part of any police service and play a key role in supporting local policing and keeping our communities safe."
