CYPRUS: Police to create a canine task force

Following proposals to create an Animal police department, Cyprus is also mulling a canine task force according to draft legislation being pushed forward by the Justice Ministry.

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Members of the newly established Canine Task Force will be appointed by the Chief of Police and will undergo special training to be the only ones permitted to handle the police dogs.

A special office in charge of existing police dogs is in operation today, but Cyprus Police is to expand it to set up a Special dog squad to help maintain public order.

Trained police dogs are to be used at; sports stadiums, rallies, public gatherings, protests, etc.

The police have dogs specially trained for search and rescue operations and to locate drugs and explosive. Dog-related operations will now be separated for better management purposes.

Issues regarding how dogs are to be used in various operations and cared for are governed by a relevant police order.

Dogs will be obtained by the Police upon request of the Chief of Police and the approval of the Justice Minister.