A six-year-old female Army dog named Kent met her demise during a terrorist encounter in the Rajouri region of Jammu and Kashmir. She had been leading a contingent of soldiers as part of a search operation on September 12 when terrorists opened fire on the unit, tragically losing her life while bravely attempting to shield her handler.
Kent, a member of the Labrador Retriever breed, served with distinction in the 21 Army Dog Unit. Her sacrifice adds to the illustrious legacy of India's canine warriors, who play an indispensable role in military operations by providing invaluable support across a spectrum of tasks.
These canines undergo meticulous training to fulfil a range of duties, including guard duty, patrolling, detecting explosives such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), mine detection, sniffing out contraband items, including narcotics, assisting in apprehending potential threats, locating avalanche debris, and participating in search operations aimed at locating concealed fugitives and terrorists.
As an integral component of anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, a canine squadron is deployed to conduct search missions, often serving as the first responders in the volatile region.
The Indian Army selects breeds renowned for their intelligence, agility, and adaptability, including the likes of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniel, and Labrador. A comprehensive health evaluation ensures their physical fitness for service.
In 2017, the Indian Army also initiated the induction of Indian breeds, with a specific focus on the Mudhol Hound.
According to Army statistics, there are over 30 dog units within the armed forces, each comprising approximately 24 dogs. Notably, there are 12 canine units dedicated to Jammu and Kashmir.
The training regimen for these canines is rigorous and extensive, commencing primarily at the Remount and Veterinary Corps Centre and College in Meerut, where a dog training school was established back in 1960. The dogs undergo intensive training lasting at least 10 months.
Throughout their training, these dogs' loyalty and combat skills are finely honed, preparing them for their eventual induction into the armed forces. Each dog is paired with a handler responsible for their daily training and guidance.
Should the need arise for a handler change, it typically requires a 7-day period for the dog to acclimate to the new handler's commands effectively.
In addition to honing their abilities for search and rescue operations, the dogs also develop intuitive skills essential for aiding soldiers in explosives recovery and mine detection.
Handlers teach these dogs to exercise control over their barking in combat situations to avoid revealing their presence to the enemy. They are trained to respond to specific military-specific verbal and hand signals.
Physical and tactical training constitutes an integral aspect of their preparation. Regular physical conditioning exercises are conducted to maintain strength, stamina, and agility.
As part of their tactical training, the canines are exposed to military environments and scenarios to familiarize them with the sights and sounds of a battlefield. This training ensures they remain calm under gunfire and other high-stress situations.
Moreover, the dogs receive specialized training tailored to their intended roles. For instance, those trained for explosive detection acquire the ability to identify various types of explosives and alert their handlers. Dogs designated for search and rescue missions are trained in tracking scents, locating victims in debris, and administering basic medical aid.
Typically, army dogs are deployed at the age of 13 to 15 months and retire when they reach 8 to 10 years old. The RVC Centre takes responsibility for these dogs from birth until their retirement from active duty.
Upon retirement, army dogs may also be adopted. Adopters are required to sign an agreement pledging to provide proper care for the dog.
Previously, army dogs were euthanized upon retirement or if deemed unfit to continue their duties. This practice stemmed from two primary concerns: security considerations, as these highly-trained dogs, familiar with military base locations, could fall into the wrong hands; and the inability of animal welfare organizations to provide them with appropriate facilities.
However, the policy changed after 2015. The government revised its approach, and with the intervention of Animal Rights Activist Maneka Gandhi, military dogs are now either employed as guards or sent to rehabilitation centres upon retirement.
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