Hounds serve in Helmand - Pet insurance for dogs

Posted : 29-04-2008

Army dogs in Afghanistan are helping to save the lives of UK soldiers serving in the country, it has been reported.

Between 20 and 25 sniffer and protection dogs, mostly German shepherds, spaniels and labradors, have been posted in the Helmand province in the south of Afghanistan, according to the BBC.

Although the temperatures can swing between 50 and minus ten degrees Celsius, the canine conscripts are kept comfortable in luxurious accommodation, with kennels that cost £54,000 each.

The kennels have heating and air conditioning and a fluffy mat for the hard-working animals to lie down on.

One soldier quipped to the news provider: "The dogs get better accommodation than us!"

The hardened hounds, which should have health insurance for dogs, help their human comrades by sniffing out bombs and chasing Taliban fighters while on duty.

So valued are they that senior dog advisor Sergeant Major Frank Holmes said they can do the job of four to six men.

The British Army has a special section - the 102nd Military Working Dog Support Unit - which trains canine troops to support human soldiers.

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