Maharashtra CID to let handlers keep sniffer dogs after retirement
The state government will provide monthly financial support of approximately Rs 12,000 for the upkeep of the retired animals.
The Maharashtra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will allow police dog handlers to keep their sniffer dogs once the animals retire from service, according to The Times of India.
Additional director general of police (CID) Sunil Ramanand said the move aims to preserve the emotional bond between handlers and dogs and prevent the animals from suffering depression after separation.
The decision follows the approval of a 154-page Dog Manual by the state government on September 21 this year. Under this manual, the state government will provide approximately Rs 12,000 per month for the dog's upkeep until it dies.
Currently, police units across the state's districts and commissionerates have 366 sniffer dogs. More than 30 dogs are being trained at the CID dog school in Shivajinagar.
The CID is also creating a training facility in Baramati that can house 200 handlers and 100 puppies. These dogs are used for tasks such as tracking suspects, detecting narcotics, and identifying explosives for bomb detection and disposal squads.
The CID typically uses breeds including German Shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, and Labradors. Each dog undergoes nine months of training with two assigned handlers before reporting for duty.