The crime-fighting Springer Spaniel puppy has been working alongside Police Constable Alan Gourlay since 2025.
PD Koopa was rescued and brought into the Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in March last year at just eight weeks old. Affectionately known as Taggart to the team, he has since been named Koopa by PC Gourlay.
The pooch was taken home each night with a member of the centre team to allow him to bond, socialise and have a better start in life. A bundle of energy and full of potential, Koopa was referred to Police Scotland to see if he would be suitable as a police dog.
Trained as an explosive dog
He was paired with PC Gourlay – who immediately fell in love with him. Now an 18-month-old, Koopa is part of a small team based in the east of Scotland and has been trained as an explosive dog. When off-duty, Koopa is cosied up at home with Alan and his family where he loves to chase after his ball and go for long walks.
Jodie Watson, an Animal Care Assistant at the Aberdeenshire centre, said: “Koopa, or as we called him, Taggart, was full of drive and a typical Springer Spaniel.
“We thought he would be an ideal fit as a police dog due to his determination and energy, so we are delighted he has found his home with the police and with PC Gourlay.”
PC Gourlay added: “PD Koopa might not have had the most settled start in life, but he has embraced his new career with Police Scotland.”
You can read all about Koopa and his recent job at The Scottish Parliament on the Police Scotland Facebook page.
