Birmingham – A dedicated police dog named Mac received the National Police Chiefs’ Council Police Dog Action of the Year award at Crufts for his pivotal role in rescuing a high-risk missing man from a remote glen in Dunkeld, Perthshire.[1][2]
A Race Against Time in Harsh Terrain
In March 2025, authorities launched a major operation after a vulnerable man vanished into a five-square-mile expanse of dense forest near Dunkeld.[3] Nearly two weeks passed with no trace, leading searchers to fear the worst. Fearing the man might have perished, Police Scotland deployed victim detection specialist PC Andy Inglis and his five-year-old cocker spaniel, Mac.[1]
The duo embarked on a grueling five-day effort, covering 30 kilometers of steep, unforgiving ground riddled with overgrowth, felled trees, brambles, and bushes. Inglis often crawled through the underbrush to keep pace. Mac, trained primarily to locate deceased individuals, relied on his acute sense of smell to methodically scan the area.[2] The physically demanding search tested their endurance amid rugged conditions near waterfalls and ravines.
Instinct Guides Mac to the Breakthrough
On the fifth day, Mac suddenly bolted down a steep embankment toward a waterfall, his body language shifting dramatically to signal an alert.[1] Though not trained for live finds, the cocker spaniel’s natural curiosity drew him to an unusual spot at the water’s edge. There, beneath a fallen tree and tarpaulin, rescuers discovered the man alive but in dire straits.
He had survived 17 days without food or water, leaving him extremely weak and barely able to walk. Mac’s intervention turned despair into hope, defying expectations for a victim detection dog.[2] “Dogs are naturally inquisitive so even though he’s not trained to find a living person, he did it by instinct,” Inglis later explained.[1]
Teamwork in the Rescue Push
Inglis quickly called in colleague PS McBean, and together they hoisted the frail man onto their shoulders for a 90-minute carry over treacherous terrain to a accessible path.[3] Mac, mission accomplished in his mind, trotted ahead contentedly chewing his favorite ball toy as reward. The effort ensured the man received urgent medical attention, restoring life to a family in anguish.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell praised the pair’s “professionalism, determination and exceptional teamwork,” noting how their bond exemplified operational excellence.[2] Challenges during the operation included:
- Steep ravines and embankments requiring careful navigation.
- Dense vegetation that slowed progress and hid potential clues.
- Prolonged exposure without sustenance for the missing man.
- Physical strain from crawling and extended hikes.
- Uncertain outcomes in victim detection scenarios.
Spotlight at Crufts Dog Show
On March 8, 2026, Inglis, 50, and Mac stepped into the main arena at Crufts in Birmingham to accept the NPCC award, presented just before Best in Show.[3] The recognition highlighted smaller breeds like cocker spaniels, often overshadowed by larger working dogs. “I’m really proud of Mac. We’re a team,” Inglis said, emphasizing the surprise honor.[2]
Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins lauded their “unwavering resilience,” crediting the handler-dog partnership for such outcomes. Mac, a family pet in Larbert alongside Inglis’s wife, three children, and German Shepherd Arlo, enjoyed his first Crufts visit – though TV remains off-limits at home.[3]
- Mac’s instinct overcame his training focus, proving dogs’ versatility in crises.
- The 30km search underscored police dogs’ vital role in humanitarian efforts.
- Awards like this boost recognition for all working dogs and their handlers.
Mac’s story reminds us of the profound impact one dog’s nose and loyalty can have, bridging the gap between loss and reunion. What do you think about the incredible work of police dogs? Tell us in the comments.
