Want to guard your home? Adopt a retired police dog

BENGALURU: Police dogs that were instrumental in detecting crimes could guard homes. The Karnataka police has issued a notification allowing citizens to adopt canines that have retired from active police duty.

Police dogs, now an indispensable part of criminal investigations such as bomb blasts, burglaries, murders and other criminal cases, are spending their retirement and last days in the care of animal welfare organisations. The state's dog squad is rated the second best after Tamil Nadu's. Even injured canines in the force are up for adoption.

There are about 280 police dogs in Karnataka. Providing a wholesome food for each of these costs the exchequer Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 a month. After receiving a royal treatment during their years in service, they pass on within 10 to 15 days their retirement into an animal welfare organisation. Similarly every year, about 25 police dogs die, said Bhaskar Rao, ADGP (Crime and Technical).



Rao further added: 'These police dogs share an emotional relationship with their handlers and when they are separated suddenly, they die. Handlers cannot adopt the dogs as their houses are very small.'

What are the breeds?
The police department primarily has German Shepherds, Doberman and Labrador. In Bengaluru, there are 59 dogs and 150 handlers taking care of them. Training starts for puppies when they are threemonths old. By nine months, they are trained in basic house manners, obedience, commands, tracking, sniffing and hurdle-crossing among other things. On an average, these dogs live up to 12-13 years but retire by 9-10 years, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (CARSouth) P Papanna.

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, executive director, RGF India, who started the campaign “don't shop but adopt“ welcomed the home department's decision. She, however, cautioned them to ensure that the adopted dogs are not used for illegal activities or for breeding purposes. Since the department cannot keep a tab over retired dogs that are sent to welfare organisations, this is a good move.

Adoptees can contact the DCP (CAR-South) for dog adoption on 080-25710856, 080-22942370.