CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has opened up for adoption 13 retired narcotic detection dogs (NDD) under its program “Adoption Day for Narcotics Detection Dogs” program on Friday.
PDEA Information Officer Derrick Arnold Carreon said the activity was held at its K9 Unit, located in Sitio Lambakin, Barangay Sto. Cristo in this city.
He said, among the retired dogs up for adoption are nine Belgian Malinos, two Jack Russell Terriers, one German Shepherd and a Labrador Golden Retriever.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said those interested to adopt these dogs have to undergo rigid screening that include the adoptor’s capability to take care of the dog, provide it with sufficient food, grooming and loving care.
The dogs will be visited by PDEA personnel from time to time to monitor the welfare of the dogs which is considered “heroes” in the government’s anti-drug campaigns.
PDEA NDDs are widely used in the detection of illegal drugs during the implementation of search warrants in establishments, greyhound opertions in jails and prisons and interdiction and checkpoints operations in airports and seaports.
Carreon added that on the first day of applications to adopt, over 50 pet lovers arrived willingly and wanted to adopt the said NDDs.
He added they will announce on September 17 the lucky applicants that will bring home the retired hero dogs.
It was learned the PDEA is about to procure over 100 dogs this year that will undergo training. Each dog will cost over P420k.