Puppies Trained for Military Deployment

[SoDesuKa]

The kennels at Lackland Air Force Base raise about 100 dogs for military duty, mostly because of the animals' terrific sense of smell. There's talk about expanding the use of military dogs to make them available to ordinary combat patrols.

These days, while the demand for working dogs is so high that the Department of Homeland Security recently put out a call to civilians for viable canine candidates, war dogs are usually bred and trained by the military or private contractors . . .

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/05/12/war_dog_ii?page=0,4

Personally, I'm conflicted about having dogs on hazardous duty because I feel sorry for them. These are beautiful animals who deserve better than to be caught up in human stupidity. Yes, I'm aware of the argument that it's better that a dog die than a human, but humans at least give tacit consent to their involvement in warfare. The dog doesn't know any better - it does what it's trained to do.



Puppies being trained for military duty

[xchrom]

1. Sad use for a dog. Nt

[w8liftinglady]

2. My partner was a dog handler/ MP in the Air Force.

If it's any consolation, these troops become very devoted to their dog comrades. The dogs are in dangerous situations along with their human comrades.The trainers grieve when the dogs die.
http://vdha.us/

[Shagbark Hickory]

3. My sentiments exactly. For homeland use, maybe. But not for warring.

Then again, I feel we should bring home the troops as well and all the equipment but whatever. Good post.

[veganlush]

4. Animals don't belong to us...n/t