Bullet-proofing for cop dogs
2002-06-12 10:14
Llewellyn Prince
Cape Town - South African police dogs soon will be sporting their own bulletproof vests.
Research is under way to look at ways to limit the number of police dogs killed on duty. Police records show that more and more are being injured or die in the line of duty. In the past year, three died and 16 were injured.
According to Senior Superintendent Fanie Potgieter, acting head of the dog and mounted police services in Pretoria, a special research team was appointed to look into the feasibility of bulletproof vests for the dogs.
Last year, a police official registered a patent for such a jacket after his first dog died in the line of duty. However, the patent is not without problems.
Potgieter said: "It was found that the vest, which is tied around the dog's body, does not offer enough protection as mostly the dogs are shot or stabbed in the neck or head."
Dit is nog onseker hoe lank die navorsing sal duur.
Die navorsers wil meer doeltreffende jassies ontwerp
wat ook die honde se koppe en nekke sal beskerm.
Jackets are used internationally
It is not yet clear how long the research project will take.
They aim to develop more effective protection that also will cover the head and neck.
According to an American website, it would cost between $300 and $500 (R3 000 and R5 000) to manufacture such a coat.
Bulletproof vests for dogs are not uncommon internationally.
In America, more than 600 dogs at 180 police stations have been outfitted with these coats, which are sponsored by non-profit organisations.
In South Africa, training a police dog costs at least R10 000.
- Die Burger