Retired Police Dogs to Remain With Force and Handlers in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that police dogs will continue to remain with the police force even after retiring from active duty.

Under the new decision, police dogs will retire from active service after completing 10 years of duty but will stay with the force and remain under the care of their respective handlers.

Fadnavis stated that dogs that have served the police force for a decade should not be made to suffer post-retirement. He pointed out that retired police dogs are often put up for adoption, an arrangement that can adversely impact their well-being.

According to information shared by the state government, several police dogs face mental well-being issues after finishing their 10-year tenure. Some dogs have reportedly refused to eat after being separated from the force and the handlers they worked with.

Emphasising the need for compassion, Fadnavis said that dogs dedicating a decade of service to the force should be cared for and allowed to live out the rest of their lives comfortably.

The Chief Minister clarified that the Maharashtra Home Department will bear all expenses related to the retired dogs' food and other daily requirements. The policy is designed to secure their welfare while allowing them to maintain bonds with the handlers they served alongside.