29-05-2025
Two OPP canine officers have retired this month after years of service in the northeast
Ontario Provincial Police canine handler Const. Barry Kelly show outside the East Algoma detachment with his partner Otis in April 2019. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)
Two Ontario Provincial Police canine officers, Dance and Otis, have retired this month after years of dedicated service in northeastern Ontario.
The OPP canine unit is a specialized unit within the organization that utilizes dogs and their handlers to enhance law enforcement operations. These canine teams are deployed for various tasks, including search and rescue, tracking evidence and suspects, and detecting narcotics and explosives.
Otis
Const. Barry Kelly + Otis
Retiring canine officer Otis is shown here on the job with his partner Ontario Provincial Police Const. Barry Kelly in this undated photo. (Ontario Provincial Police/X)
Otis, a 10-year-old German Shepherd, spent his career tracking suspects, detecting drugs, and assisting frontline officers in Sault Ste. Marie.
In a social media post Wednesday announcing Otis' retirement, OPP praised his commitment to his duty.
'He's always ready to work, but like his handler's other partner, Dance, it's time for a well-earned retirement,' the police service said.
'Thank you, Otis, for your years of dedication and service!'
— Ontario Provincial Police
Dance
OPP Canine Officer Dance
Retiried canine officer Dance is shown here focusing on a search in this undated photo (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)
Earlier this month, on May 13, OPP announced Dance's retirement – the eight-year-old black Lab, was one of the police service's first Wilderness Search and Rescue dogs. Dance specialized in locating missing persons and human remains.
'Her determination and skills have made a lasting impact,' OPP said in a social media post announcing her retirement.
'Thank you, Dance, for your incredible service. Enjoy your well-deserved rest!'
— Ontario Provincial Police
Dedicated partners
OPP Const. Barry Kelly
Ontario Provincial Police canine handler Const. Barry Kelly at Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District's 2024 Peace Officer of the Year awards gala where he was honoured on May 15, 2024. (File photo/Supplied/Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District)
Both dogs worked alongside OPP canine handler Const. Barry Kelly – an officer with more than 30 years of experience.
Const. Barry Kelly + Timber
Canine officer Timber shown here with his life-time handler Ontario Provincial Police Const. Barry Kelly in this undated black and white image. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)
Const. Kelly's former partner, Timber, retired in 2017 and lived with him, Dance and Otis until his passing in October 2023.
The service has not stated where Otis or Dance will live in retirement, but most canine officers remain with their handlers when possible or move in with adoptive families.
