Belgium Shepherd dogs procured for ANF

Team Udayavani, Jun 22, 2019, 12:35 PM IST

Udupi: For the first time in the state, decision has been taken to make use of dogs during operations in Naxal affected areas and accordingly, the army’s favourite dog breed, the ‘Belgian Shepherd Malinois’ dogs are being trained in Bengaluru and will be inducted into the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) soon.

The dogs are being provided special training by the CRPF to assist ANF personnel in tracing naxals in the forest, finding ground bombs and dangerous items.  The government h has provided 4 Belgian Shepherd dogs to ANF for assistance during combing operations in dense forest.

Complete training

4 dogs are being trained at the CRPF unit in Bengaluru since a month. The training period will take 3-4 months. After the completion of the training, the dogs will start their duties as part of ANF. Moreover, 8 handlers from here have been appointed and are being trained as well. The canines are being trained for forest operations, weapons, tracing of suspects and adventure instinct.

Belgium Shepherd

‘Belgian Shepherd Malinois’ has a very sensitive nose for odors, is very energetic, patient and intelligent. These dogs are specially used in the army and para-military forces. ‘Belgian Shepherd dogs were also part of the US Special Forces team involved in the elimination of Osama Bin Laden. The canine species in also actively used by the Indian Army, the Into-Tibitean Police Force (ITBP) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These dogs have the capacity to reach their targets successfully and always function smartly no matter the situation or environment.

Shelter in Karkala

The ANF unit is located at Ramasamudra in Karkala and the newly trained dogs will be sheltered here. The dogs are being maintained at the cost of Rs 22 lakh. The building being constructed for the canines has an expanse of 1,200 sq ft. and the work is expected to be completed in 2-3 months. By then, the canines will have completed their training, inform ANF officials.

Necessary for the safety of ANF

“4 Belgian Shepherd Malinois dogs are being trained at the CRPF unit in Bengaluru and will be inducted into ANF soon.  The canine unit will be convenient for the safety of ANF as well as in the tracing of suspects and explosives,” said Belliyappa, DySP, Anti-Naxal Force, Karkala