UK Plans to Parachute Dogs To War
The British Army’s SAS (Special Air Service) is planning to parachute police dogs into enemy territory. THey are training German Shepherds to parachute with cameras mounted on their heads, to sniff out insurgents and warn of ambushes.
The dogs will be strapped to soldiers for the parachute, and are earmarked to be sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. It is hoped the use of dogs will reduce the number of civilian casualties.
A spokeperson for the SAS is quoted as saying:
“The dogs will be exposed to very high levels of danger on these operations and you never know what’s going to be behind a door. Nobody wants to see the dogs get killed but if it’s their life or a man’s it is obvious which the CO would prefer.”
Apparently, two dogs have been assigned to each of the four regiment squadrons. The dog handlers are learning to parachute with the dogs from high altitudes.
It’s not the first time dogs have been used in way, ancient Egyptians used to use them. In fact, in World War II the British Army used to use parachute dogs to send messages behind enemy lines in North Africa and France.
Thing is, I don’t think that’s a good excuse. Should we be going back to the Dark Ages? Needless to say, some animal charities and associations are up in arms, what’s your opinion?
Jul 24, 2008 | 0 | News
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