Respected Sir,

The Indian Armed forces is a pioneer organization of our country. The brave and strong officers and jawans guard our borders without fail each day, all around the year. But they are not alone while doing so.

Animals such as dogs and horses have been serving the Defence forces ever since the services were initiated. Dogs are used for infantry patrol, tracking, explosive detection, guarding bases, and casualty detection in times of disaster. They are, by no means of doubt, uttermost loyal to their handlers and trainers while they indirectly serve the nation and the people of India.

A retired Army official, on conditions of anonymity, said the Army puts to sleep its dogs if it is unable to keep up with the rigour of its duty, even if it has a few years of life ahead. The Army generally uses Labradors, German shepherds and Belgian shepherds, depending on the altitudes and weather, besides the nature of the assignment that may include routine patrol to explosives detection. "It is a normal practice to euthanize dogs when they are found to be unfit to perform the assigned duty," the retired official said.

A recent RTI was filed to the Department of Defence mentioning details about the method of disposal of animals, including dogs, in the Army. The reply: "Army horses and dogs are evaluated for their fitness with respect to the performance of duties. The animals that are considered unfit for one month active service are disposed of by humane euthanasia."Even the decorated animals suffer similar fate.

But why not rehabilitate the dogs after they retire? The official cites another reason, that of a security concern. The authorities say that since they are familiar with the base location, it is not ideal that they end up in civilian hands. They also put up an argument saying that euthanasia is resorted to mainly because if the retired dogs were rehabilitated with NGOs and animal welfare organizations, they would not be able to maintain these dogs with the kind of facilities the Indian Army provided them.

But not all countries have the same outlook for their animals units. Since 2000, USA has started rehabilitating its canines under the 'Robby's Law'. Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, which also breeds its own puppies for service, agrees that half the dogs don’t pass the aptitude tests. So now, the dogs who have served and those who don’t make it past the aptitude tests are put up for adoption. The dog’s personal handler gets the first priority for adoption, but it then opens up to other military or civilian adopters. If the Indian Armed Forces consider them relocated amongst the civilians as a threat, they might start with the Defence personnel for the adoption of these animals. 

I think its high time that India too adopt such a legislation. After all their hardwork and efforts, we owe them at least through retirement a happy loving home so that they get to be themselves. They deserve to live a life even after they have served. I request the Ministry to look up into this urgent matter and find a solution to the gruesome issue.

Yours Sincerely

Concerned citizens of the Nation