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Authorities celebrated the successful recovery of a police dog that had gone missing from Tigania police station in Meru.
The seven-year-old female dog, affectionately known as Jet, vanished on February 6 under the supervision of her handler.
Fortunately, on Thursday, February 8, Jet was discovered at a residence in Karama, a few kilometers away from the station.
The homeowner reported finding Jet stranded along the Meru-Maua highway before deciding to take her in. He even utilized public transportation, a matatu, to transport the dog to his residence.
Upon learning about Jet’s presence through media reports, a Good Samaritan promptly notified the local police. Subsequently, authorities were informed at the Karama police post, leading to the retrieval of the missing dog from the residence where she was found confined in a small kennel.
Witnesses reported the heartwarming scene of Jet being reunited with her handler, evoking happiness all around.
Jet was later taken for medical examination at the Embu police headquarters.
Her disappearance had occurred when her handler went to attend to feeding duties.
Belonging to the Belgian Malinois breed with a brown coat, such canines can command high prices, reaching up to Sh500,000 depending on age, according to officials.
Authorities suspect Jet was taken by someone familiar with her routines, highlighting the need for caution in handling police dogs due to their extensive training and the significant investment involved.
The Kenya Police Department boasts a dedicated dog unit, Langata K-9, established to oversee the care, training, and deployment of these valuable assets for crime prevention and detection. With approximately 5,000 dogs deployed across various counties and strategic locations, including airports and governmental institutions, these canines play a crucial role in law enforcement efforts.
In recognition of their service, police dogs receive honors akin to their human counterparts if they perish in the line of duty.
Capable of patrolling, detecting explosives and narcotics, and aiding in apprehending suspects, these highly-trained animals are selectively sold by the department to interested buyers.
The assortment of breeds utilized by the Kenya Police Dog Unit includes Rottweilers, English Spaniels, Boerboels, Labradors, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds. Established in 1948 in Nanyuki, the unit continues to utilize various breeds for diverse law enforcement tasks such as patrol, tracking, and detection of firearms, drugs, and explosives.
