Border Force star Wilson is hanging up his paws.
Lily Thomson

Lily Thomson
Posted on 05 May, 2023

Border Force star Wilson is hanging up his paws.

Ian Gower from the Boarder Force Detector Dog Unit spends his time with companion Wilson by his side.

The detective dog program has seven units nation-wide, with about 80 operational dogs working across Australia.

These trained dogs have a variety of different abilities ranging from detecting narcotics and currency to firearms and explosives.

Detector dog Wilson has spent the last 4 years based out of Melbourne, with Agfest his first visit to Tasmania.

Wilson specialises in explosives. Thankfully he hasn’t needed to use his impressive skills, with him yet to discover any explosives.

“Thankfully for ourselves and the region he hasn’t had to respond to any explosive material” says handler Ian.

Border force Tasmania are proud of their dog program and see them as a vital addition to Border Force.

“We can use the dogs to screen large amount of cargo, containers, vehicles, people. One dog can screen an entire plane arriving from overseas. It’s simply something that one person can’t do efficiently.”

Wilson and Ian have developed a strong bond over the years, with their relationship ongoing since graduating from the Border Force Rookie course together.

“He knows how I work, I know how he works.”

Wilson, the proud pup, will be heading into well-deserved retirement in the coming months.

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