CISF hires 20 trained German shepherds from Thane-based Marshal Dog Training Centre that are capable of leaping at terror suspects and overpowering them at a single command
CISF hires 20 trained German shepherds from Thane-based Marshal Dog Training Centre that are capable of leaping at terror suspects and overpowering them at a single command
Ferocious attack dogs, trained in overpowering terrorists, are the latest addition to Mumbai airport's security
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system following the 26/11 terror attacks. While 12 German shepherds have been hired and deployed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the domestic and international terminals, another eight will soon be deployed along the perimeter walls, bordering the slums, to keep intruders at bay.
"At a single command by its trainer, the canines will leap at a suspect and overpower him within seconds, giving him minimum reaction time," said Ishant Sharma of Marshal Dog Training Centre. These canines work in three shifts 6 am to 1 pm, 1 pm to 10 pm and 10 pm and 6 am. They are chained strategically in a cordoned-off corner next to the entrance.
A trainer posted with attack dog Bruno at the domestic terminal 1B said the dogs were meant to act as a deterrent. "The most ferocious ones are posted during the night shift and the remaining are deployed in the day," he disclosed.
Though the attack dogs share the CISF air-conditioned dog barracks, they don't mix with the existing sniffer dogs, and are always barking at them. CISF senior commandant Sanjay Prakash said the guard dogs are vital in a terror attack situation. "The CISF Quick Response Team (QRT) will only save time in reacting and responding to an attack," he said, adding that guard dogs are common abroad.
A day in the life of Don and Babli
Don, Babli, Zenia and Sun are a part of the 12-member dog squad at the Mumbai airport that comprises of labradors and German shepherds, who only respond to their trainer's commands. The dogs have been trained at the Indo-Tibet Border Police Dog Training Academy in Bhanu, Haryana for six months.
Training includes detecting explosives and mines, carrying out search and rescue operations as well as tracking and guarding. At the air-conditioned barracks, these canines start the day at 5 am and begin duty after rigorous exercise.
Their meal comprises chicken, chapatti and dog food, while biscuits are handed over as treats.
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