Labradors deployed at CWG by CISF exhausted after working 16-hour shifts

They maybe hard-nosed but they now have their tails between their legs. Hakim and Jimmy, two sniffer dogs deployed by the CISF at gate number 3 of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro station were lying prostrate on the ground after working for 16 hours continuously.


Tongue tied: Members of the dog squad of the CISF had been working
for more than 16 hours in the run up to the opening ceremony. Pic/mid day

The two Labradors usually work eight-hour shifts. They were so exhausted after their gruelling schedule on Sunday that even when the security personnel ordered them to stand up, the canines couldn't comply. "This incident is not in my knowledge. Usually we rotate the shifts of these dogs. But overtimes can take place in such situations," said Rohit Katiyaar, Pubic Relations Officer (PRO), CISF.

The security personnel were trying to recuperate them but all in vain. These dogs have taken special training of 6 months in identifying suspects and suspicious substances. They can sniff out explosives, drugs, and weapons etc. The diet of these dogs is also very unique.

A board of specialist decides the nutritional regime of these particular sniffer dogs. The diet may vary for different species. They spend their lives serving in the department and even get retirement after a particular age. Their human companion remains the same, as the tuning between them decides the performance.

The dogs were taken off after 12 at night. Security personnel said Hakim and Jimmy would be granted rest the next day.u00a0 "This is for the first time we are using them for 16 hours at a stretch. That's why they are so tired. We did not stand at one fixed place, but took them on frisking drives. That's also a reason behind their tiredness," said a CISF personnel.