‘Workshy’ police canine who was reluctant to search out criminals is retired at simply two years outdated
A ‘workshy’ police dog who showed signs of ‘work avoidance’ has been forced into early retirement at just two years old.
Lissy, a labrador belonging to Lancashire Constabulary, developed a phobia of ‘slippery floors’ leaving her reluctant to search for criminals and evidence.
She only joined the force in September and was expected to have a career lasting at least seven years.
But she hung up her harness for the last time earlier this month and has now been retired to a loving home.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary Dog Unit said: ‘Lissy had been showing signs of avoidance when working and wasn’t 100 per cent happy so she has been retired to a loving home.
‘Be happy Lissy.’
They added: ‘Lissy had developed an issue with slippery floors. She could not search effectively in areas with such surfaces because of signs of stress.’
Despite her short tenure, Lissy did manage to add one notable operation to her name.
Lissy, a labrador belonging to Lancashire Constabulary, developed a phobia of ‘slippery floors’ leaving her reluctant to search for criminals and evidence
Lissy only joined the force in September and was expected to have a career lasting at least seven years
Oakley, a springer spaniel, (pictured) is currently training to replace Lissy at Lancashire Constabulary’s dog unit
In November, she helped round up a pair of suspected drug dealers in Burnley, East Lancashire. They were arrested on suspicion of possessing ketamine and cannabis.
Shaun Hesmondhalgh, a former RAF police dog handler, explained that Lissy’s experience is not uncommon.
He told The Telegraph: ‘It is not unusual for a licensed working dog, or a dog that’s in training, to develop ‘work avoidance’ and then be retired from duty.
‘Nor is it unusual for any dog to have, or develop, a negative association with floor surfaces.
‘It is a condition where the dog’s confidence is compromised because the dog can’t make sense of the surface type.’
Oakley, a springer spaniel, is currently training to replace Lissy at Lancashire Constabulary’s dog unit.