Poland is considering police dog pensions

WARSAW — They find survivors in collapsed buildings, track down fugitives, foil smugglers of drugs and explosives, and help control rowdy crowds. All in exchange for food and lodging — and an occasional pat on the head.

But when retirement time comes, state care ends for the dogs and horses that serve in Poland’s police, border guard and fire service. They are given away, with no safeguards for their future welfare.

After appeals from concerned service members, the Interior Ministry has proposed legislation that would give these animals an official status and paid retirement to help cover the often costly care bills their new owners face.

Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski described the draft law as a “moral obligation” that should get unanimous backing when presented in Parliament for approval this year.

“More than one human life has been saved, more than one dangerous criminal caught thanks to the animals in service,” he said in February.

The bill would affect about 1,200 dogs and more than 60 horses currently in service.

Each year, about 10% of the animals are retired, according to the Interior Ministry. Most of the dogs are German or Belgian shepherds.

Pawel Kuchnio, handler of Warsaw police sniffer dog Orbita, said retired dogs almost always require expensive medical care to deal with ailments such as strained hind joints. Veterinary bills can reach into thousands of dollars a month.

The pension money “will certainly be a great help and will make things easier,” Kuchnio said.

The bill would confirm the unwritten rule that the animals’ handlers have priority in keeping them before they’re offered up for adoption.

But, more important, it would extend state responsibility for the animals into their retirement time and secure financial support for the owners.