New kennels coming for Winnipeg police dogs

Police dogs in Winnipeg will soon have a new kennel, officials say.

Some of the animals are currently in kennels set up in a parking lot, an arrangement that was described as temporary in 2010.

Thewelfare of the dogs was also questionedby experts after it was noted several had fallen ill.

The new facility will be on Durand Road, next to the police departments East District station.

It will have air conditioned kennels and dog runs. There will also be office space and an area for public demonstrations.

According to the city, there will be room for 23 dogs from the K-9 unit.

It will also have an area for breeding dogs. The Winnipeg police have been raising dogs since 1999.

The dogs can detect narcotics, explosives and help to track suspects or assist with high-risk arrests.

Some of the dogs have specialties in more than one area.