Officials to monitor dog squad diet

◗ Uttar Pradesh police has set up a committe of three ADG rank officers for the purpose

The UP police have set up a committee of three ADG- rank officers who will decide and supervise the diet of dogs in the police force. This is the first time that monitoring of dogs’ diet will be done at such a high level.

The three ADGs in this panel include Mr R. K. Vishwakarma, Mr Aditya Misra and Mr KC P Kumar.

“We need to improve and strengthen our dog squad because they help in cracking cases related to explosives and drugs. Our dog squad, which has helped in solving 259 cases in the past one year, has been neglected when it comes to the canines’ upkeep and health.

The committee will consult veterinary experts and ensure that the dogs get proper nutrition, exercise and rest”, said a senior police official.

Earlier this year, Tiger, a sniffer Labrador, had died due to poor health and experts blamed it on poor nutrition. The state police also plan to have a dog squad in every district soon. At present, only 39 out of 75 districts have dog squads. “The committee will frame guidelines for the diet and regimen of dog squads and this will be followed in every district”, the official said.

The UP police also want to build up a separate batch of infantry patrol dogs as well as guard dogs.

“At present, 20 dogs are being trained at the BSF National Training Centre for Dogs and we plan to purchase 16 more dogs this year. The nature of crime is changing fast and we need the help of sniffer canines to work out cases without delay”, the official said.

According to him, explosive and drug trade is becoming increasingly prevalent in Uttar Pradesh.