The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Forest Dept. plans to have own dog squad

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Forest Dept. plans to have own dog squad

T.S. Ranganna

It is aimed at checking poaching and smuggling

— File photo: K. Gopinathan

Novel plan: Trained canines will be donning a new role with the Forest Department planning to use them in its pursuit of smugglers and poachers.

Bangalore: With crimes by poachers and smugglers increasing in the forests bordering neighbouring States, the Forest Department is planning to have its own squad of trained sniffer dogs to tackle the problem.

Speaking to The Hindu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A.K.Varma said he had written to the Secretary, Department of Forests, seeking permission to set up a dog squad. When launched, Karnataka would be the first in the country to have such a squad exclusively for the department.Mr. Varma said crimes such as illegal mining, quarrying, poaching of animals and smuggling of sandalwood in the forest areas were on the rise. To begin with, the squad would have six dogs of different breeds and six trainers. They would be maintained in Bangalore.

The squad would be set up in Hubli, Mysore and Shimoga to curb smuggling of sandalwood, medicinal plants and for protecting wildlife.

Mr. Varma said the government had been requested to sanction Rs. 20 lakh for setting up one squad and added that he was sure the plan would be sanctioned, particularly in view of the seriousness of the issue.

At a programme organised recently by the Department to observe the Martyrs’ Day, Upa Lokayukta G. Patri Basavanagoud advised the government to equip the forest personnel with modern weapons, so that those engaged in the operations against poachers could take them on effectively.

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