Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Public warned of runaway police dog near Loch Ness

The black and tan German Shepherd may not react to people as other dogs would, officers said

Lucinda Cameron
Monday 01 July 2024 13:34 BST
Comments
Police Dog Fergie
Police Dog Fergie (Police Scotland/PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The public has been warned of a missing police dog near Loch Ness.

Officers are searching for a police dog that has gone missing in the Highlands – and urged people not to run towards or away from her “under any circumstances”.

PD Fergie was being walked north of Polmaily House near Loch Ness at around 10am on Sunday when a deer bolted in front of her and she ran off.

Police said that despite a search of the area, she has not been seen since. Officers fear that she may be lying injured.

The black and tan German Shepherd has a friendly nature but may not react to people as other dogs would, officers said.

They advised anyone who sees three-and-a-half-year-old PD Fergie to stand still and speak to her and to call police on 101.

Chief Inspector Gordon Fotheringham, Police Dog Unit lead for the North, said: “This is a regular walking route for PD Fergie and for her to run off is out of character. Concerns are growing that she may be injured and unable to respond when called.

“Searches are under way and officers are in the area. We are asking anyone who sees her to get in touch.

“PD Fergie is a trained police dog and while she has a friendly nature she may not react to the public in the same way that other dogs would.

“If you see her, stand still and engage in a normal manner as you would with any dog by speaking to her. She may stand and bark, and this is normal behaviour for a trained police dog.

“Our advice is not to run towards or away from PD Fergie under any circumstances.”

Anyone who sees PD Fergie is asked to ring 101 reference number 0056 of Monday July 1 2024.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in