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African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is set to establish more than five canine units across the country to help Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) prevent trafficking of ivory and other prohibited wildlife products.
Speaking during an inspection of the newly built dog handlers’ house at KWS Training Institute (KWSTI) in Naivasha, AWF Vice President, and Species Conservationist Dr. Phillip Muruthi, cited Kenya as a possible conduit for transportation of illegal ivory and bush meat to neighbouring countries following recent inspections conducted across Kenya’s border points.
According to existing partnership ties between AWF and KWS, five full canine units are set to be established in Kabsabet, Busia, Isiolo, Naivasha and Mombasa soon as part of the KWS dog unit programme to educate and deter poachers from trafficking illegal ivory.
Currently, KWS has three operational canine unit based in Nairobi’s JKIA, Mombasa and Naivasha with well trained dogs drawn from Dutch Shepherd, Black German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois Shepherd breeds.
The six dogs based at KWSTI for Naivasha station were all acquired from Israel in 2015 and underwent six months’ training. Each dog is now estimated to cost KES 1m (€8648). The dogs are trained to detect, track and attack criminals found with illegal ivory and prohibited wildlife products.
In a bid to improve integrity in the KWS canine unit, the KWS Canine Master, Frank Keshe, said a curriculum for the canine unit was to be developed. He added that KWS would present curriculum documents to the Director of Criminal Investigation and National Police Service for approval.
The African Wildlife Foundation through partnership with wildlife organisations, has established Kennel Units in more than eight African countries. “We are setting up a strong foundation in our inspection units and partnering with conservation organisations like KWS, to achieve the conservation goal of preserving wildlife as a national heritage,” said Muruthi during the inspection of kennel attendant house.
KWS is set to receive eight more dogs for Naivasha Station, which are currently undergoing special training in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and one dog van.
Source: tourismupdate.co.za
 is set to establish more than five canine units across the country to help Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) prevent trafficking of ivory and other prohibited wildlife products. Speaking during an inspection of the newly built dog… "Pin It")