The region's four-legged crime fighter has chased down his last offender and sniffed out his last crimes.

Police Dog Atlas has officially taken his paws off patrol and retired from active duty after seven years on the police beat, including the last four in the New England Police District.

Atlas was a general purpose or tracking dog and was based out of Inverell but was deployed across the New England, and down to places across the Oxley Police District when called upon.

The commander of the NSW Police Dog and Mounted Unit Superintendent Julian Griffiths told the Leader plans were already in place to fill the paws on patrol.

"The Dog and Mounted Unit has planned for his retirement and has ensured an accredited police dog will continue to service the district," he said.

"Atlas' hand

See Full Page