DFG News Release

Department of Fish and Game Stages First K-9 Units around the State

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has staged its first K-9 Unit graduates around the state, and has launched a second academy. The K-9 academy focuses on training of detection for ammunitions, quagga/zebra mussels, and other species based where the teams will be placed in the state.

“The dogs add depth to the abilities of our Game Wardens to stop criminal activities by speeding up searches while also providing protection for their handlers,” said Nancy Foley, DFG Enforcement Chief. “Whether facing threats to homeland security or from the quagga and zebra mussels, these dogs will be a tremendous aid to law enforcement.”

The first six teams have been staged in law enforcement districts that cover the following counties: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Madera, Marin, Mono, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sierra, Solano, Sonoma, Tulare and Yolo. When the teams are deployed they will have a specific patrol area, but are available to other areas that need support.

With DFG’s Game Warden force stretched so thin, the dogs will make patrols that much more effective. In addition to standard patrol support, the dogs will be able to assist with searches for missing persons and suspects, assist in locating evidence like spent ammunition and hidden firearms, and more. All of the DFG dogs will be trained in detecting quagga mussels (a very small, invasive freshwater mussel that seriously threatens California’s economy and environment). The training in ammunition and associated odor detection provides California with an additional level of homeland security. Other scent training may include bear, bear galls, deer, fish, elk, abalone, and waterfowl depending upon the patrol area.

“A dog’s scent ability has been estimated to be up to a million times stronger than a human’s,” said Lynette Shimek, K-9 handler and program coordinator. “When dealing with something as small as quagga mussels on a boat or waterfowl hidden in the trunk of a vehicle, a dog will let us know quickly that something is not right.”

DFG plans to train up to 24 dogs. All dogs will be trained in detection, with some dogs receiving additional training in handler protection and apprehension. The first graduates of the academy completed training on February 15.

DFG’s K-9 Program will be largely funded through private donations. Donated funds will be received and administered by CalTIP (Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters) Inc., a not for profit organization 501(C)(3). CalTIP works hand in hand with DFG and is closely aligned with the DFG’s secret witness reporting program “CalTIP.” Organizations, agencies, and individuals can sponsor or donate funds to support a K-9 unit; all donations are tax deductible. For more information see www.dfg.ca.gov/enforcement/K9.

Photos of the dogs in action will be made available upon request.

K-9 Team Profiles

• Handler: Lt. Lynette Shimek, DFG K-9 Coordinator
  Current Assignment: Statewide DFG K-9 Coordinator
  K-9: Ellen, a 5 year police service and detection certified German shepherd
• Handler: Warden Robert Pelzman
  Current Assignment: Placer County
  K-9: Nigel, Labrador Retriever, 15 months old
• Handler: Christy Wurster
  Current Assignment: Amador, Alpine an El Dorado Counties.
  K-9: Wrigley, German Shorthair- Labrador-Golden Retriever mix, 2.5 years old
• Handler: Warden Laurie Knowles
  Current Assignment: Amador County
  K-9: Iggy, Labrador Retriever, 5 years old
• Handler: Lorraine Doyle
  Current Assignment: Eastern Fresno County
  K-9: Iris, Labrador Retriever, 2 years old
• Handler: Lori Oldfather
  Current Assignment: Stockton
  K-9: Louie, Yellow Labrador, 2 years old
• Handler: Roxanne Bowers
  Current Assignment: Alameda County
  K-9: Cooper, Hound mix, 2 years old