Rescue animal given a second Chance shows an old dog can learn new tricks

From left, PC Mick Kilburn with Chance, Mark Brierley with Vince and Andy McKeown with Uzi.

Chance the German shepherd was taken in by the RSPCA after he was found without food or water in a cramped, dark kennel food outside a house in Bradford.

Initial behavioural problems meant staff struggled to find him a suitable home.

But a West Yorkshire Police dog handler spotted his potential during a visit to the RSPCA’s kennels in Tingley. Yesterday, Chance passed out as one of the new batch of police dogs.

His handler PC Mick Kilburn said: “He immediately demonstrated some of the raw ability needed to become a general purpose police dog and was allocated to me, to replace my current police dog.

“As a police dog handler these dogs become your life. It’s not a nine to five – you take them home with you, care and look after them 24/7, they aren’t just a tool that is used by the police, they become your work partner, friend and protector. I couldn’t be more proud of how well Chance has done.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “Everyone at the local RSPCA branch is thrilled that Chance is getting this second shot at life with West Yorkshire Police in such a useful and heroic role.”