K-9 police dog use surges in Turkey

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

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Turkey’s first cynology conference has revealed that the use of K-9 unit police dogs has surged in the country due the recent increase in security operations and terror threats.

Osman Öztürk, head of CSG-City Security Group, a private security company, said at the Istanbul event on Dec. 23 the need for specially-trained dogs was “increasing day-by-day.”

“Terrorism, human trafficking, escalated illegal migration... All these national and international security issues have created a need for assistance from security forces,” Öztürk said.

Dogs were the most appropriate company for officers in maintaining security, he added.

Cynology, the scientific study of dogs, is used to support research into the best breeds for security work.

Göktan Eker, a dog training specialist, said canines had been used for hunting and security since ancient times.

“Human beings have always preferred dogs as close company because of their proficiency, utility and friendly partnership with their owners,” he said.

However, Turkey had only recently allowed private security firms to use dogs.

Öztürk said such K-9 dogs had been exclusively by police forces and other law-enforcement personnel. “But a new regulation, which was passed last September, has enabled private security organizations and companies to use K-9 dog breeds to answer the high volume of special calls for security services,” he said.

According to the regulation, K-9 units are defined as guard dogs, explosives detecting dogs and drug sniffing dogs.

“These dogs will be the greatest and fastest detectors of explosives and illegal drugs,” Öztürk said.

Recalling how the European and American militaries have used canine teams since World War II, Eker said, “The new regulation will help us use canines in a more effective and proper way.

“A well-trained dog is essential to deterring criminal activity as well as helping rescue squads in finding missing persons after natural disasters.

“The dog’s nose is an amazing organ, so they make fewer mistakes than humans,” he added.