[04 OCT 00]  WARWICKSHIRE CONSTABULARY NEWS
Dogged Benson Gets New Leash Of Life

A police dog famous for sniffing out missing Scotland’s missing football kit is pawsing for a rest after six years on the beat in Warwickshire next week.

Benson has made 89 arrests during his time with Warwickshire police and recovered thousands of pounds of property.

He hit the headlines shortly before the Euro 96 football tournament when he hunted down the Scotland team’s kit when it was stolen from a hotel.

Last year he was commended for his bravery after being hit on the head with a vodka bottle as he helped arrest a burglar.

Benson joined the force as a puppy in January 1994 and is now retiring to the country to live as the pet of a south Warwickshire farmer.

PC Steve Dunn, who has trained and handled Benson for the last six years said:

“I know its going to be hard letting Benson go, but I am delighted to have found such a lovely retirement home for him.

“Although I shall miss him, I am looking forward to working with my new dog Shadow, who has been training alongside Benson for the last few months.”