Queensland paw enforcement calendar to raise money for charity

Queensland’s ‘paw enforcement’ officers took centre stage at the Ekka today as Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller launched a new Queensland Police Service calendar to raise much-needed funds for animal welfare, breast cancer research and police families in need.

Minister Miller was joined by Operations Support Command Assistant Commissioner Alistair Dawson to launch the 13 month 2016 Queensland Police Dog Squad calendar which features beautiful photos of 39 QPS dogs.

“Everyone loves our police dogs, so what better way to raise money for charity than a calendar showing off some of Queensland’s cutest crime-fighting canines,” Minister Miller said.

“The calendar features photos and biographies of QPS dogs from across the state including sworn general purpose, drug detection, explosive detection and human remains detection dogs, retired dogs, breeding dogs and puppies.

“The German Shepherds, Labradors and one Springer Spaniel were photographed in scenic locations from the South East Queensland coast to outback Mount Isa and in operational situations such as travelling on a Water Police RHIB and searching a car’s engine for explosives.

“Police Dog Angel, our only female general purpose dog, was photographed in front of Brisbane’s beloved Story Bridge which Brisbane City Council lit up pink for us to raise awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Handlers and dogs will be selling the calendars each day at the QPS stand at the Ekka – so I really hope Queenslanders will get behind this fantastic initiative.”

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said all money raised from calendar sales would go to the Animal Welfare League of Queensland, Police Legacy and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“We hope the calendar raises valuable funds for animal rescue and breast cancer research and to assist police officers and their families who are in times of need or those families who have been affected by the death of a Queensland police officer," Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.

“A portion will also be donated to Helping Hand to support Senior Constable Ian Callaghan who suffers from a severe form of Multiple Sclerosis and is undergoing an expensive stem cell transplant in Singapore.”

The Dog Squad calendar was an initiative from Sunshine Coast dog handler Senior Constable Dan Hayward. Constantly taking photos of his dog PD Heeko and his retired dog PD Odin who both feature in the calendar, Senior Constable Hayward said it was a lot of fun to put together and collect some beautiful photographs of the dogs.

“We put a lot of love into it. As a unit, we are proud of what we’ve produced and the money we’ll hopefully raise for our chosen charities,” Senior Constable Hayward said.

“The handlers are very grateful to have these mementos of their dogs. A number of featured dogs such as PD Max, PD Venus and PD Xander are edging towards their retirement years so to get these photos of them means a lot for their handlers.

“Unfortunately PD Sonic passed away only a few days after having his photo taken and I know his handler is grateful to now have his photo to keep and for the public to enjoy.

“We hope everybody enjoys these beautiful photos of our best mates.”

The photos of the calendar were taken by handlers, QPS photographers and Business-based pet photographer Stacey Appleyard.

The calendars are also available for purchase online at the Police Health and Recreation Association shop: www.qphra.com. They are $20 if purchased in person with online purchases incurring a small postage fee.

[ENDS] August 8

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185