Cramped training centre forces state to scale down K9 expansion to 20 dogs

SCALING down its initial plan, the state police department will now induct only 20 dogs into its K9 squad instead of the proposed 38 because of space constraints at the dog training centre in Thrissur.

- VARSHA SOMARAJ @T'Puram

Though the proposal to expand the dog squad was submitted in July, a final decision is still awaited. Officers said the matter will be taken up after Onam celebrations.

The squad currently has 142 active service dogs, with a target strength of 180. The remaining additions will now be made in phases over the next 18 months, said an officer.