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OGDEN — Seven puppies started their journey toward becoming law enforcement dogs Saturday.
At a “puppy placement ceremony” in Ogden, volunteers with local nonprofit Havoc K9 met the dogs they will be training in their homes for the next year. The organization raises puppies and trains them to work with law enforcement and first responders before giving the dogs to local agencies free of charge.
“It’s one of the most selfless acts you can ever do for your community, to put your time and effort into these dogs and then give them to the communities to keep (the community) safe,” said Havoc K9 founder Ricki Draper.
Puppies from Saturday’s group are earmarked to go to Pleasant View City, Utah Task Force One, Washington City and Salt Lake County. One of the puppies is slated to become a breeding dog for the program.
Volunteers will take their puppies to special trainings twice a week where the dogs can learn scent detection, obedience and beginning apprehension. The dogs have to be certified before they can start working with law enforcement. They will likely take the test January 2016.
Information about how to volunteer or make donations to Havoc K9 can be found online.
