Bangkok: K-9 dog helps search for missing person in good spirits, sees doctor for nose and eyes examination, safe and able to continue working.
At the scene where the new Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building collapsed due to an earthquake, Pol. Lt. Col. Bandit Thamchaimongkol, Deputy Commander of the Police Dog Division, Crime Suppression Division, revealed the role of the dogs in the rescue mission after the earthquake on March 28th. They were notified that it was an emergency and immediately brought in a K-9 dog at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the incident. They then inspected the area and assessed whether the K-9 dog could be brought in before the actual operation. Most of the obstacles were the nature of the area, such as steep slopes, broken cement, rocks, glass, and dust that could affect the respiratory system. For initial safety, the dog was given shoes to prevent injury, and after the operation, it was seen by a doctor to examine its eyes and nose to check for any abnormalities.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Theerasak Thongmue, commander of the Police Dog Unit, stated that they must train on different surfaces, sniffing, and signaling, gradually training separately and then combining them, and practicing until they are ready to work. Every time they go out to perform duties, they must assess the situation to see if it is safe for the dog to inspect. Safety must be the main principle. In the past 5 days of operation, the K-9 dog has been cheerful and in good spirits as usual. There may be some minor impacts due to the dust that causes some irritation, but the vet is closely monitoring it.