Best Was Done For Sniffer And Rescue Dogs

Friday March 22, 2013

The best was done for the special dogs

SYABAS to the Director-General of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin, for putting to rest the controversy surrounding the euthanasia of eight retired sniffer and rescue dogs belonging to the Fire and Rescue Department by saying that it was completely justified according to international standards and performed by a qualified veterinarian.

It was also pointed out that the tough decision was made with the interest of the animals at heart to effectively end their suffering following their heroic service to the nation, “Service animals cannot be given away” (The Star, March 20).

As chairman of the Canine Advisory Team of both the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Klang Municipality (MPK), I made a courtesy call on the Fire and Rescue headquarters in Putrajaya to find out first-hand the truth behind the story that led to the putting down of Malaysia’s canine heroes.

I came away totally convinced that the DVS and the department had done the best possible for the special dogs until their final journey.

Dogs that work in fire and rescue are brought up like children by their specially selected trainers when they join the force. They are no ordinary dogs.

They are given the very best food, medication, love, care, and attention from then on during their high-play professional daily training that lasts for as long as eight hours in a day.

They are never short of exercise and never left for wanting for their every needs.

Their special training discipline is designed to develop a deep and inseparable bond with their human partners where they would listen and relate to only them and no one else.

Separation from their human trainers would cause anxiety and stress for the animals.

Unlike normal dogs, these extraordinary canines would also risk their lives as part of the hazards of their job to breathe or sniff out unhealthy material in a fire situation and others that would directly affect their health.

Hence, many of them suffered respiratory illnesses, cancer and kidney problems.

Some of these problems began over time where they received prompt treatment.

During some of their rescue missions, some dogs also developed a fear for certain situations where they would become skittish with anyone except their personal handlers.

It took almost half-a-year when the final decision to humanely put down the canines was made. It was a sad day for everyone.

There have been suggestions about adopting highly skilled dogs during their retirement.
But the solution is not an easy one and requires a lot of factors to be considered before something like this can be done in Malaysia.

ANTHONY THANASAYAN
President, Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive)

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