General purpose police dog, Bella, a German Shepherd, gave birth to her first puppy shortly after 7:00 am yesterday.

Bella's handler, Senior Constable First Class David Young arrived at work to find Bella in labour and quickly assisted.

Bella then continued a marathon birth lasting until 6:00 pm last night having delivered seven healthy puppies - five male and two female.

Mother and puppies are doing well.

The father, Stinger, is also a German Shepherd General Purpose Police Dog handled by Senior Constable Richard O'Brian.

The puppies will be used as future replacement dogs once they are fully trained.

NT Police currently have seven operational dogs, three general purpose dogs and four drug detector dogs.
Sarah Trinne
8922 3531