Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 October 2008. It was answered by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Thursday, 16 October 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Dogs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military working dogs were killed in service in each year since 1997; what type of dog was involved in each case; and what the (a) location and (b) circumstances of death were in each case.

Answer: Since November 2006, approximately 250 dogs have died in service. It is not possible to break down this figure by type of dog, location or circumstances. However, in the majority of cases (around 55 per cent.) death occurred at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray, as this is where many dogs are returned at the end of their service.Figures are not available prior to November 2006, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information