Haveri district police have installed coolers in their canine unit to help service dogs cope with the summer heat, after officials noticed the dogs were getting exhausted faster during the day and falling ill. The dogs in the unit remain on duty 24/7 and need to stay alert round the clock, but rising temperatures raised concerns about their health and operational efficiency.
Coolers Installed to Maintain Efficiency
The department installed coolers to keep temperatures low and ensure the K9 unit remains active and efficient. The unit comprises four female dogs: a Doberman named Paaru, a Belgian Malinois named Arya, and two Labradors named Sansa and Kaira. These dogs play a crucial role in investigations, including gathering clues in theft cases, conducting searches, and responding to special situations.
Why Dogs Are Vulnerable to Heat
Dogs do not regulate body temperature as effectively as humans because they do not sweat in the same way, making the impact of heat more noticeable on them. SP Yashodha Vantagodi explained that the dogs could be called for case detection at any time and need to be ready 24/7. Exhaustion made it difficult to carry out operations effectively, prompting the installation of coolers.
Funding and Public Response
The setup was arranged using funds from the district police department. The public has appreciated the initiative, recognizing the importance of keeping the service dogs healthy and efficient.
