The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Fond farewell for ‘Vicky’

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Tuesday, Aug 07, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Fond farewell for ‘Vicky’

S. Harpal Singh

The 10-year-old Labrador was fondly garlanded on his ‘retirement’ by his handler at a simple ceremony

Great honour: Vicky being honoured by his handler on ‘retirement’ from police service in Adilabad on Monday.

ADILABAD: The solemnity at the farewell ceremony organised for Vicky, the ageing sniffer dog, spoke volumes of the life and times of this Labrador. The 10-year-old was ‘retired’ on Monday by its handler P. Ramesh, who as a mark of respect, garlanded the animal.

Adilabad district police had inducted the dog squad in 1998 and Vicky was its sole ‘member’ then. Born on December 12, the previous year, the dog had undergone nine months of training along with its original handler Srinivasulu before being put into service.

“He was completely disciplined and never gave a difficult moment to us. He followed our commands obediently. All of us were very fond of the dog,” Ramesh praised Vicky.

Explaining the process of its retirement from police service, the handler said it was noticed early last month that Vicky had grown weak in hearing and smelling.

A veterinarian had certified it fit for retirement. A representation was made to Additional Director-General of Police (Intelligence) for ‘condemnation’ (retirement) of the Labrador which was granted immediately.

There after, Adilabad Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar also permitted retirement for the dog.

The dog was handed over to a local animal lover after the formalities were completed at the AR headquarters on Monday.

His achievements

The big achievement for this sniffer came seven years ago when it ‘sniffed’ 5-kg bucket of explosives meant to blast a police party on anti- naxal operations in Chennur-Kotapally forest area.

It had also unearthed mines on the Tiryani ghat section during later combing operations by police parties.

Old Vicky may not be given pension like in the case of policemen.

But, he is sure to find peace in retirement.

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