Key points
- On 2 April, Ukraine marks the Day of the Canine Service.
- Service dogs operate within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the police, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Emergency Service.
- There are 148 service dogs in SESU units, and their training takes around 15 months.
- Since the start of the full-scale war, the dogs have taken part in over 600 operations and rescued 76 people.
- Mine detection dogs have identified nearly 1,400 explosive objects.
Today, 2 April, Ukraine marks the Day of the Canine Service, dedicated to the work of dog handlers and their service dogs within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Emergency Service. These four-legged partners take part in searching for prohibited substances, explosives, and missing people.
This is a day for those whose work is built on unwavering dedication, patience, and a unique bond between humans and animals. A service dog in the SESU system is not just an assistant. It is a fully-fledged rescuer and partner.
– Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Andrii Danyk.
Currently, 148 service dogs are on duty within SESU units. The training of each rescuer begins when the dog is just two months old and lasts around 15 months.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, these four-legged rescuers have taken part in more than 600 operations and saved 76 people, while mine detection dogs have identified nearly 1,400 explosive devices.
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