Maharashtra to Fund Post-Retirement Care for Police Dogs with Handlers

MUMBAI — The Maharashtra state government has decided to establish a post-retirement care system that will permit retired police dogs to remain within the police force and stay with their handlers rather than being given up for adoption.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the state’s home minister, directed the administration to prepare the post-retirement framework following a report submitted by the home department. The report highlighted the emotional and physical difficulties police dogs face after completing a decade of service, noting that many animals struggle to adjust to new homes and even stop eating when separated from their longtime handlers.

Under the proposed initiative, the home department plans to cover the costs of food, healthcare, and general upkeep for the dogs throughout their remaining years within the police department.

“After 10 years of loyal service, it is not right that they should suffer after retirement. Although animals, we must take care of them. We must make sure they spend their retirement happily within the police force, which has been their home and where they have served with distinction,” Fadnavis told senior officials.

Police dogs in Maharashtra enter the force as puppies between six and nine weeks old. They undergo rigorous training before being deployed for specialised duties, including sniffing out explosives and narcotics, locating victims trapped under debris during rescue operations, and tracking criminal suspects.

Over their ten-year careers, the canines form close bonds with their assigned handlers. Officials noted that police dogs typically live for about 18 months following retirement, making the government-funded support an effort to ensure comfort and familiar companionship in their final phase of life.