A COUNTRY-living dog lover could provide the ideal home for a German Shepherd who is now eager to catch balls instead of criminals after retiring from Cleveland Police.

The force is striving to find a new owner for eight-year-old Jet who has a strong personality as well as health issues.

Although sociable, he can be aggressive towards other dogs and is not used to children.

While he likes to play with a ball, he has a pre-existing medical condition which requires daily medication and due to this condition he should avoid jumping and climbing obstacles.

The dog served five-and-a-half years with Cleveland Police and time before that with Greater Manchester Police.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “Anyone wishing to take him on needs to be physically fit as he is very strong and will need someone capable of controlling him whilst he is on a lead.”

Sergeant Shelli Gordon, from the Cleveland Police dog section, added: “It is important to us that we find the right home for Jet.

“He has provided us with years of dedicated police service and now we must find him the appropriate home so that he can enjoy the rest of his life and give enjoyment to the person that takes him on.

“He has been a brilliant police dog and we are sad to have to let him go, but we’re confident that he will be happy in his new home.”

Potential new owners are asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency 101 number.