Decommissioned police dogs soon to get shelters, says DGP Loknath Behra

Thiruvananthapuram: State police chief Loknath Behra has said the police department will soon have a plan to take care of decommission police dogs, by setting up retirement shelters in association with local NGOs. Mr Behera told DC that it is a pity that the dogs are left to their fate after a productive phase in the State service. Their plight is of deep concern and rehabilitation a priority for the police. Out of 14 dogs decommissioned by the State police last year, two were adopted by their handlers and three others by the People for Animals shelter in the city, while the rest succumbed to age and ailments. The lucky ones to reach the shelter are sniffers Jansy and Sweety and Bond, the tracker.

Mr Vincent of Malappuram dog squad said “Sweety was the darling of the squad; she helped us detect explosives hidden on Azheekode beach, which would have been difficult without her. She has sniffed out explosives from Thenhipalam and Kondotty quarry”. Mr Vincent said many dogs contract age-related ailments. The 14 decommissioned canines contracted pneumonia, chronic arthritis, breast cancer, cancer of lower jaw and loss of vision. When contacted, Vet L J Lowrance said dogs down with age and ailments used to be put to sleep.

“All 14 were very adaptable and friendly but staying away from handlers and homes added to their misery. In spite of age and related problems the remaining three still hop onto every four wheeler at the shelter, hoping to go on their exploits”, said Ms. Latha Indra of People for Animals. Dogs share a strong chemistry with their handlers, who are equally desperate about the plight of their former wards. “Pity they are sent to a distant shelter, away from those they are close to”, said a handler.

The canine crew of sniffers and trackers are usually chosen from among breeds like Labrador, Doberman and German Shepherd. They are absorbed into the force at age 3-5 months. First they are trained in basic obedience and manners, lasting three months. During this phase, they remain in the company of the handlers day and night. The second phase of training of the explosive sniffers lasts six months and crime trackers are trained for 9 months.

Along with trainers, each dog’s handler accompanies it through the training period. They are maintained on indigenous dry food and milk. At the end of the training, they join the squad only if they get through the efficiency test. Training period is extended for those who don’t qualify the test. The spectacle of 15-strong Kerala Dog Squad, marching along with the police and bowing to their commands at the Republic Day parade, involved painstaking training and any misstep would have brought bad name to the squad, said Ms Indra.