50–strong canine squad to ensure safe R–Day

 New Delhi, January 25:  Sheru and Dolly and 48 of their mates in the Delhi Police dog squad are at it as hard as any of the other 45,000 security personnel in the tiol capital to ensure an incident–free Republic Day parade at which US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest. The canines, aged between 3–4 years, have been working round–the–clock for the past three days with Delhi Police officers, checking all official buildings and other premises in the high–security areas around the entire three km parade route on Rajpath. With their strong olfactory senses, these German Shepherds will be doing their best running here and there in the vicinity of the verdant Rajpath with their handlers on Jan 26 morning when President Prab Mukherjee, Prime Minister rendra Modi, Obama and his wife Michelle and other VVIPs will be watching the Republic Day parade which showcases India’s military might and rich cultural diversity.

Delhi Police Spokesperson Rajan Bhagat, told IANS: “All the 50 dogs with one trainer each will be stationed at nearby specific locations of Rajpath from early on January 26 morning.” A Delhi Police dog handler, on condition of anonymity, said the dogs on duty will be allowed to relax only after the end of 90–minute parade. “We give at least 20 minutes rest to all the dogs after every hour of work,” Bhagat told IANS. Another handler said that these dogs are put through their paces at Tekanpur near Gwalior, a major training hub of the paramilitary forces.  (ians)