A CHARITY that finds lost people and dogs across Cornwall can invest in more training and equipment thanks to a £500 donation by holiday letting company Classic Cottages.

Cornwall Search Dogs was founded in 2020 by former members of mountain and lowland rescue teams and retired police dog handlers. They use their expertise in search techniques and dog training to track down missing people and animals across the Duchy, responding to around 60 call-outs annually.

Success stories include tracking two missing Jack Russells to the rabbit warren where they had got stuck, requiring fire brigade assistance to free them; and tracing a family pet after isolating the dog’s scent from its owner’s car.

There are currently six dogs operational across Cornwall with three in training, and the charity is looking to recruit and train more.

The Classic donation will help to fund vital aspects of the charity’s work, including professional training; ensuring every team member has a thermal imaging camera to pick up the presence of a missing dog in a field or hedgerow; and publicising its services, especially through leaflets placed in pet-friendly holiday cottages.

Founder member Tracy Simpson, who works with spaniels Holly and Freda, said: “Being a small charity, fundraising can be a challenge, so support like this really makes a difference to what we can do. It helps us train our teams, invest in equipment and reach more people and pets when they need us most. We handlers give our time for free, so we’re very grateful.”

Lesley Black, West Cornwall area manager for Classic Cottages (part of Sapphire Holidays), said: “Cornwall Search Dogs do a brilliant job helping to find missing loved ones across Cornwall, whether pets or people. A lot of our visitors bring their dogs, and if they go missing a long way from home, it can be very stressful."