The position has been vacant since December, and there are fears if it is not filled sooner, it will move to another local area command.

However, Mr Anderson said he’d met with the region’s top cops to ensure that doesn’t happen.

“I had discussions with Fred Trench, command of Oxley LAC and Geoff McKechnie, Assistant Commissioner of the Western Region late last week,” he said.

“I’ve been assured that police are actively recruiting to fill the position and I’m confident it will be filled.

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“We fought very hard for that police dog unit to be attached to Tamworth and Oxley LAC. It’s been a great resource and tool for driving down crime, and keeping the community safe.

“I’m keen to see the position filled as soon as possible.”

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate for Tamworth, Jeff Bacon, suggested that if the position wasn’t filled, it may be lost to the neighbouring New England Local Area Command.

“Mr Anderson has to come out and confirm that he won’t let this position go to Adam Marshall in the Northern Tablelands,” he said.

“Unfortunately this is a political reality, if one member drops the ball, another is happy to capitalise on it.

“We have seen this in the latest budget where [Northern Tablelands MP] Adam Marshall was able to secure almost a quarter of a billion in funding compared to only $25 million here in the Tamworth electorate.”

It’s understood the position became vacant when the previous officer requested a transfer. The dog moved with the officer.

An out-of-town dog squad, which was deployed for the festival, was called upon to assist in the arrest of a man later charged with an attempted stabbing murder in West Tamworth.

NSW Police were contacted for comment, however did not respond before publication.

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