A dogs' squad kept the audience spellbound while showcasing its exploits at the 64th Independence Day celebrations held at Anna Stadium in Cuddalore on Sunday. The squad comprising three pedigree dogs, along with their trainers on their trails, have acquired skills that ably support the security personnel to trace and nab criminals and detect explosives.
Each of the animals in the squad has been trained in acquiring a unique skill. For instance, Arjun (a Dobermann) has been tutored to track criminals. His handler, G. Shiva Senthil, a head constable attached to Marudhur police station, told The Hindu that Arjun could sniff residues at the crime scene and zero in on the offender. On Sunday, the Dobermann exhibited its talent, undaunted by the massive gathering at the venue. Arjun has so far helped in cracking 50 grave crimes for which he won the third prize at the State-level.
Sandy (a Labrador retriever) has acquired mastery over spotting hidden explosive substances. To prove its mettle, “Sandy” passed by five fully covered boxes, of which four were empty and one was filled with explosive substances, and effortlessly identified the virtual ‘tinder box.' Sandy has been extremely helpful in unearthing contraband.
Bruno (another Dobermann), a puppy of hardly two years, is already adept in handling incendiary materials. Bruno could easily jump over hurdles while firmly clutching flaming torches in its jaws.
Mr. Shiva Senthil said that the government had sanctioned Rs. 54 a day for the upkeep of each dog. Every member of the squad is put on a regulated diet. In the mornings, they are served with half-a-litre of milk and one egg each.In the afternoon, they are given a plateful of rice mixed with half-a-kilogram of cooked beef; and, in the evenings, they are fed half-a-litre of milk and three slices of bread each.
