Mangaluru: That dog is man’s best friend is given. But when this friend is part of the dog squad of the aviation security group (ASG) of CISF responsible for the security of Mangaluru International Airport, then the canine becomes God sent. The unique skill set that the dogs in the squad possess – to sniff out dangerous goods – makes them a handy asset to have and further bolster the security of this vital entity.
The latest addition to this dog squad at MIA is Goldie, a year-old Golden Retriever who has joined Jack, Bruno, and Julie. Goldie incidentally is the fifth member of this squad, which was set up on 16 December 2013. The squad lost the services of Leena recently, due to age-related illness. Goldie started active duty at MIA on 27 January after a six-month training at Dog Training School (DTS), Ranchi.
Goldie with his white groomed coat of hair was the cynosure of eyes for all concerned at MIA. With his handler Constable (General Duty) Aktarul Hoque, Goldie joined Jack, the senior-most member of the now 4-member squad with his handler head constable (GD) M M Auti on a familiarization drive of the facility on the first day of his duty. The dogs work in shifts with adequate rest
Handlers train, feed and groom the dogs in their leisure time. Constables (GD) D Ashok and Manikanta are the handlers of Julie and Bruno respectively. The squad is housed at its own kennel near the old airport at Bajpe. The ASG has set up an obstacle course and training facility adjacent to the kennel so that the dogs are ship-shape in meeting any challenge that they may face in the line of duty.
