MEET

RPD Syd

Breed of dogCocker Spaniel

Location of servitudeWarwickshire Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionTumour removal

Grant amount received£1,400

  • Retired police dog Syd
  • Police dog Syd on duty
  • Retired police dog Syd dresses up

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG SYD

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How did Syd become a police dog?

Syd was taken in by a rescue centre when his owners couldn’t cope with him and was picked up by the police trainers.

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What does retirement look like for Syd?

He loves going for walks, chasing the squirrels, and going to work with his dad. 

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What’s Syd’s party trick?

“Syd loves tennis balls and he likes to try to fit as many in his mouth as possible, at the same time!”

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What’s Syd’s health like?

“In general, Syd’s health has been good but we were worried when we discovered a tumour in his mouth which had to be removed. Thankfully it was an epulis that wasn’t cancerous.”

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE’VE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG SYD

RPD Syd was taken in by the Dogs Trust after his owner had to give him up. He joined Warwickshire Police in 2017. 

He passed his search and detection course ‘with flying colours’ and had a successful career as a cash, drugs and firearms sniffer dog, recovering large amounts of cash and drugs.  

Syd – affectionately nicknamed Sidders – retired in 2023 after six years of service when his handler, who was struggling with health issues, stepped down from operational duties. 

Police dog Syd on duty
Retired police dog Syd tucked up in bed

Syd now lives with his former handler, Andy McConnell, and his family.

Andy said: “Syd is a very loving dog who loves eating, going for walks, and chasing the squirrels and birds. But his favourite thing in the world is tennis balls.

“He is an absolute pleasure to be around and loves everybody!”

When Andy discovered a growth in Syd’s mouth in 2024 he rushed him to the vet for surgery to remove it – paid for by the Foundation. Thankfully, the tumour was benign and was successfully removed.

Retired police dog Syd dresses up

“Thanks to the Thin Blue Paw, Syd was granted funds to cover the cost of his surgery which both he and I are very grateful for.”

Andy, Syd’s former handler and owner

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