Soldiers will be able to keep military dogs in 'retirement'

Military dogs that "retire" after carrying out the explosives sensor activity will be assigned as a priority to their handlers, who will also be able to benefit from veterinary assistance for a maximum of 1,200 euros per year. The Secretary of Defense, Angelo Tofalo, said it, responding to a question to the Defense Committee of the Chamber.

"The Army's dog cores, made up of a qualified military dog ​​driver and a qualified Military Working Dog - explained Tofalo - are an operational tool that constitutes, for our soldiers at home at home and abroad, a significant sensor capable of detecting the presence of explosive substances ". The operational life of the animal ends when it is no longer able to guarantee the standards required for use. Dogs no longer suitable are reformed with a special commission resolution and their sale is authorized. Legislative Decree 173, the undersecretary explained, provides that "the military personnel conducting the dogs of the Reformed Armed Forces, as they are no longer suitable for the service, may obtain, as a priority, their assignment free of charge".

 "This allows - continued Tofalo - to provide the Military Working Dog with the necessary protection and due recognition for the service rendered and constitutes a significant aid also for the military who, by virtue of the bond established with his operational partner, intended to continue to take care of it. " The provision therefore constitutes "a necessary gratification for a part of life donated to the Institution" and contributes "to perpetuate, even after active service, that link between man and animal established on the first day of training and cemented daily through mutual trust and mutual support, decisive to face and overcome the risk and sacrifice situations shared by the two in military life ". However, the Defense has launched information campaigns to also involve the private citizen in the adoption of the reformed dogs.