Plett's first K9 crime fighter bows out

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - After nearly seven years of serving the Bitou community, Plettenberg Bay's first four-legged crime fighter, Blackie, is bowing out.

Over the years, the now about nine-year-old German shepherd's remarkable 'from zero to hero' story has captured the hearts of the community he serves.

Blackie was found wandering the streets of Plett after being abandoned by his owners and caught the attention of the Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Society (Paws).

It took the Paws team about two weeks to catch him, but from that moment Blackie's talents were noticed, and the rest is history.

Blackie showing off his skills.

The Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers Association financially backed his adoption and service training and he became Plett's first K9 crime fighter as part of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) team with operations head Otto Olivier as his handler.

Blackie received his training at Tactical K9 Africa trainers at Swartruggens and immediately impressed the training team.