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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 February 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 March 2013. It was answered by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 March 2013 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces: Dogs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many army sniffer dogs have been injured whilst on duty in the last five years.

[145845]

Answer

Army detection dogs provide an important and valuable service, working with their handlers, to search for items and substances such as, arms, ammunition, drugs and explosives and can also be trained to track or detect human scent. Detection dogs have played a significant role in counter-improvised explosive device work during Operations Herrick and Telic, reducing human injuries and fatalities.

Information on the number of detection dogs injured while on duty over the last five years is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, since May 2011 we have received five reports of military detection dogs being significantly injured in the course of their duties.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
145845; 559 cc1124-5W
Session
2012-13
Subjects
Armed forces Army Dogs Injuries
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk