Police seek new home for 22 dogs after years of Algeciras noise complaints

Who hasn’t had a neighbour whose dog simply will not be quiet? Most of us can understand the frustration, and anger, that comes when barking becomes a constant part of daily life. Now imagine living next door to 18 working police dogs.

For residents living beside the Policía Nacional station in Algeciras, that has been the reality for years, with complaints over noise and disturbances now prompting the search for a new home for the force’s canine unit.

Police dogs to leave Algeciras station

The Ministry of the Interior is seeking an external facility capable of housing up to 22 dogs within 10 kilometres of the Algeciras police station. There are currently 18 dogs in the unit, with the larger capacity allowing for animals being trained or introduced into service, as well as changes caused by retirements. The €194,326 contract, including tax, covers the accommodation and care arrangements for the animals.

The decision follows years of complaints from people living in a residential development next to the station. Noise from the dogs and the training facilities has been a particular concern. The move does not mean the canine unit is being dismantled. The dogs will be transferred to a separate facility while the unit continues operating in the Campo de Gibraltar.

What the new facility must provide

The successful bidder will need to provide considerably more than basic kennels. The dogs must have individual spaces measuring at least six square metres, with smooth flooring that can be cleaned easily. The accommodation must include covered areas and opaque partitions to prevent the animals from having visual contact with each other. There must also be dedicated facilities for training and exercise, along with washing and grooming areas. Staff will need changing facilities, while the site must provide parking and permanent access for police vehicles.

Security is another requirement. The premises must have human surveillance and electronic security connected to an alarm centre, while the provider must also have liability insurance. The 10-kilometre limit is based on the fastest driving route between the new residence and the police station, rather than a straight-line measurement. That keeps the dogs close enough to remain available for police operations in the area.

Police retain responsibility for food and vets

Although the external provider will house the animals, responsibility for their food and veterinary treatment will remain with the National Police. The company running the residence will handle accommodation, custody and cleaning, with the kennels and other areas required to be cleaned twice a day. Waste must also be managed correctly under the conditions of the contract. The initial agreement will run for 24 months from November 1, 2026, with the option of extending it for another two years. The tender has a base value of €194,326 with tax included.

If the possible extension is used, the estimated total value of the contract rises to €321,200. The canine unit remains an important part of policing in the Campo de Gibraltar, including operations connected with the fight against drug trafficking. For neighbouring residents, however, the issue is much more immediate: the dogs that have been at the centre of noise complaints for years are now being sought a new base away from the police station. The next step is finding a facility that meets the National Police’s operational, security and animal accommodation requirements within the strict distance limit.