Mysore/Mysuru, Dec. 2 -- Dogs trained to aid Forest staff in the battle against wildlife crime

A new canine squad has been readied to support the Forest Department in safeguarding wildlife and monitoring animal movement.

For the first time in the country, the Karnataka Government established a dedicated dog-training centre at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve a year ago. On Dec. 1, the trained dogs and their handlers were formally bid farewell at a ceremony marking the completion of their intensive programme.

Ten dogs have been trained and assigned to the State's five Tiger Reserves, with two deployed in each. Their training covered detecting wildlife contraband - including tiger skins, claws, elephant tusks, deer meat and sandalwood - as wel...