Fed: Labrador puppies the latest weapon in war against terror
By Sandra O'Malley
CANBERRA, Feb 13 AAP - They look like adorable bundles of fun, but a group of Labradorpuppies are actually one of the latest weapons in the US fight against terrorism.
Customs Minister Chris Ellison handed over the first contingent of the Melbourne-breddetector dogs to the United States Ambassador to Australia, Tom Schieffer, at a ceremonyat Parliament House today.
In all 30 pups will be donated to the US, where they will be trained in weapons andexplosives detection.
"The dogs provide an essential weapon in the fight against terrorism and also againstthings such as drugs," Senator Ellison said.
"The super-sensitive smell the dogs have (means) they're able to quickly run over baggageto assess a container and get into places that machinery sometimes can't.
"These dogs will be trained in relation to the detection of bombs and weapons."
The puppies are bred at a special Customs centre in Melbourne and then are usuallysent to Canberra for training before being delivered to Australian agencies.
The handover of the puppies today was another example of the strength of the relationshipbetween Australia and the US, Mr Schieffer said.
"Once again Australians have raised their hand to help in the war against terrorism.
"Every time that Australia has been asked to do anything they have done it."
John Vandeloo, manager of the Australian Customs Service National Breeding and DevelopmentCentre, said the centre had ramped up its breeding program - which is on track for 110puppies this year - to assist the US.
"They need their dogs very quickly and we're making sure we've got enough for Australia'santi-terrorism needs, as well as the war on drugs," he told AAP.
AAP so/daw/wo/br
KEYWORD: TERROR PUPPIES (PICS AVAILABLE)
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