POLICE DOG — BROOME
76. Hon COLIN TINCKNELL to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
Over the weekend, it was reported on
social media by Broome residents that the greater Kimberley region will be
losing its only police dog, Hank, when he and his handler, Ben, are relocated
to Perth this week.
Can the minister confirm whether it
is true that Hank and Ben have been recalled from Broome; and, if so —
(a) can the
minister please offer an explanation as to why this is being done, given Hank's
valuable and successful service in the Kimberley; and
(b) does the
government have any plans to reinstate Hank in Broome or replace him with
another valuable police dog?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following information has been provided to me
by the Minister for Police.
No; it is not true. The WA Police
Force advises that Hank will remain posted to the Kimberley.