Police Dogs in Saxony-Anhalt Deployed Longer - Saxony-Anhalt's police dogs work harder despite fewer deployments in 2025
Police dogs in Saxony-Anhalt played a smaller but more active role in 2025. Deployments dropped slightly to around 1,900 operations, down from 2,067 the previous year. However, their total working hours rose to 7,700, up from 6,933 in 2024.
Tracking dogs led the way, with 1,118 missions focused on finding missing people or chasing suspects. Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang called these animals indispensable partners for law enforcement, highlighting their growing importance in daily operations.
The state's police force currently relies on 83 service dogs, each paired with one of 77 trained handlers. These teams operate across Saxony-Anhalt and beyond, with many dogs also supporting other German states.
Training takes place at the Police Dog Handler School in Pretzsch, Wittenberg district. The facility not only prepares dogs for regional work but also contributes to international law enforcement programs. New recruits include Gerda, a Labrador being trained for search-and-rescue missions, and Monte, an English Springer Spaniel specialising in explosive detection.
Authorities are expanding their approach by introducing fresh breeds and updated training techniques. The aim is to strengthen specialised detection work, ensuring dogs remain effective in evolving policing challenges.
While overall deployments fell in 2025, the longer working hours suggest a shift toward more complex or time-intensive operations. The investment in new dogs and methods reflects the police's commitment to maintaining a skilled canine unit. These animals continue to play a vital role in public safety across Saxony-Anhalt and beyond.
