Sharp & Intelligent Arjuna of Udupi Police Canine Squad Retires after 9 yrs of Stint
Udupi: After nine years of service, Arjuna- the sharp, aggressive and intelligent police dog, is due to retire. The Doberman breed of dogs had successfully provided clues for at least 20 important cases. Arjuna will be replaced by six months old Brownie, also a Doberman trained in Bengaluru, which will join the other two K9’s “Captain” and “Hilkon”. Arjuna was associated with the crime section. Arjuna had handled many criminal cases and was an Icon, having being given special training for security and to detect bomb. Icon is usually used for security during the CM’s visit and big public meets in Udupi, Chikkamagalur, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada.
It may be recalled that on 17 June 2015, Arjuna helped the department solve the sensational Akshatha murder case. The girl was murdered on June 17 and was found near a temple at Ottinena and there were no clues to the murder. However, with Arjun’s help, the investigation team caught the accused, who happened to be the girl’s cousin. Arjun got a special award and Rs 6,000 from then Udupi SP Annamalai.
Arjuna was also successful in tracking the thieves in the 2015 Varaha Maharaja Swamy Temple theft in Maravanthe, Kundapura. Arjuna has til date cracked over 20 intricate crime cases, related to murder, theft and other theft incidents. Since Arjuna is 10 years old, and is showing some health issues, the Udupi police department has decided that Arjuna should retire, and handed over to his handler, after certain department formalities are completed.
The Udupi district police force had constructed a kennel costing Rs 12 lakh, where the dogs are exercised and kept engaged with games. The department spends Rs 400-500 per day on each dog’s diet and special food like milk, eggs, rice and mutton. Every month, the dogs undergo a medical checkup and all are insured. Retirement is suggested based on the dog’s physical condition, usually between 9-10 years. It is noted that dogs can live up to 12 -13 years. Depending on the dog handlers, they stay on with their masters or are given away to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
A dog trainer in Udupi speaking to the media said, “It’s a very good move by the handler of Arjuna to adopt the dog after its retirement. With dogs developing an emotional relationship with their handlers, it will be good when handlers adopt them, instead of giving to others, where they may not be able to adjust in the new surroundings or the company of the strangers and may die earlier”.
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