SPOKANE, Wash. – Police dogs play a crucial role in the Spokane Police Department and that is why SPD is upgrading its kennels. After over two decades of wear and tear on their current kennels, they say it is time for an upgrade.
“They’re 25 plus year-old kennels. Everything was just so worn out and worn down and bent and what not, that we have chains wrapped around the fencing and the fabric. So, all of that stuff needs to be replaced,” said SPD K9 handler, Craig Hamilton.
The renovation started at the end of August with the help of K9 Support Northwest. The training center is primarily for the department, but they do plan to open it to other smaller training schools that will come through the area.
Bird's eye view of the kennels renovation. It's looking great! Cameo by K9 Unit Ofc Dan Lesser who's leading the project. pic.twitter.com/zd27bSzxkY
— SPDK9 (@SpokanePDK9) October 30, 2016
The estimated cost of the project is about $50,000, which will be fundraised. So far, around $10,000 has been raised through donations. Pacwest Equipment, Western States, Grahm and Lydig Construction donated materials and labor which saved the department several thousands of dollars.
SPD is far from their financial goal, but they have been received a lot of help. They hope to have most of the work done before winter, so the dogs will have a warm place to stay.
A completion date for the project has not yet been set.
Sometimes people ask why K9 handlers don't leave the cage open while driving. K9 Murphy demonstrates why. #HiDad #LetsHug pic.twitter.com/D35CRCTvFx
— SPDK9 (@SpokanePDK9) November 1, 2016