New Delhi: In the aftermath of the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, three highly trained Labrador dogs from the Indian Army – Jaki, Dixie, and Sara – are working tirelessly alongside human rescue teams to locate and rescue survivors trapped under the debris. These canines, specially trained as Specialist Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs, use their exceptional sense of smell to identify and indicate human scent under the rubble despite the challenging mud, slush, and rain conditions. Their bravery and skill are instrumental in finding and saving lives in the affected areas. In this article, we will provide a list of skilled Indian dog breeds.
List of exceptionally skilled Indian Army dog breeds
Great Swiss Mountain
German Shepherd
Labrador
Mudhol Hound
Bakharwal
Belgian Malinois
Cocker Spaniel
Army personnel with sniffer dog during a search and rescue operation in Wayanad (Photo credit: PTI)
What roles do specialised dogs play?
Specialised rescue dogs with the remarkable ability to detect human body scent from a distance of 10-12 feet amid disaster debris were deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue operations. These highly trained canines play a critical role in signalling the presence of human scent buried under the rubble caused by a landslide, facilitating the recovery of deceased individuals through targeted excavation efforts.
These remarkable rescue dogs have undergone rigorous training at the esteemed RVC (Remount Veterinary Corps) centre in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
After undergoing rigorous professional training, these dogs demonstrate unwavering dedication in performing various functions, including guard duty, patrolling, and detecting explosives. Their commitment extends to mine detection, sniffing contraband items, including drugs, and attacking potential targets. These dogs also play an important role in search operations during natural disasters, aiding in apprehending criminals and terrorists, thereby making a significant contribution to national security.
Every Army dog is not just a soldier but a companion, assigned an individual dog handler. This unique bond is a testament to the emotional connection in military operations, where the handler is responsible for caring for the dogs and guiding them in various military operations. This bond fosters a sense of connection and mutual respect, ensuring that these dedicated animals are retired after around eight years of service with the care and respect they deserve. This is a testament to the military’s commitment to humanely treating its animals.
It’s worth noting that the Indian Army is training not only Labradors, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds but also Indigenous breeds such as the Rajapalayam, showcasing its commitment to diversifying its canine teams and ensuring inclusivity in its operations.
Expertly trained dogs from the Army’s elite canine unit, capable of detecting human remains and even the faintest breath buried deep under mud, have been instrumental in the rescue operations in landslide-ravaged Meppadi in Wayanad. These dogs have undergone several years of training at the prestigious Remount Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Let’s delve deeper into the role of these dogs in natural disasters. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
