Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 22: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced a major welfare measure for the state's police dogs, saying retired canines will no longer be given up for adoption to third parties.

Under the new policy, police dogs completing their operational service will remain within the police department and stay with their long-time handlers. The Home Department will bear their post-retirement expenses, including food, medical treatment and other living costs.

Fadnavis said a dog that has served the police force for 10 years should not be made to suffer after retirement and deserves to spend the remainder of its life in a safe and familiar environment.

The decision seeks to address concerns over the emotional and psychological wellbeing of police dogs after they complete their service. Under the earlier practice, canines were generally retired after 10 years of active duty and subsequently placed with external adopters.

Officials and those familiar with police dog units have noted that separating service dogs from their handlers and familiar surroundings can cause considerable distress. Some retired dogs reportedly struggled to adjust to new environments, with cases of animals showing signs of trauma and refusing food after being rehomed.

Under the new arrangement, canines will officially retire from operational duties after completing 10 years of service but will continue to remain part of the police establishment for the rest of their lives.

The policy will also ensure that the close bond developed between a police dog and its handler during years of active service is not abruptly broken after retirement.

The Maharashtra Home Department will directly meet the expenses associated with the dogs' post-retirement care, including nutrition, healthcare and daily living requirements.

The move effectively replaces the earlier system of third-party adoption with state-supported lifetime care, allowing retired police dogs to remain in familiar surroundings and receive continued care from the people they have worked with throughout their service.

The initiative is aimed at recognising the contribution of police canines and ensuring that they receive adequate care and dignity after years of service to the department.