PDEA retires K9 heroes into adoption

MANILA, Philippines — After serving the government for years, 13 hero dogs got new homes after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) put them up for adoption the other day.

New owners, who were pre-screened for their capacity for human care and financial capability, adopted the retired narcotics detection dogs (NDDs) during a ceremony at the PDEA K9 Units at Barangay Sto. Cristo in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

These new owners must be able to provide the hero dogs that include nine Belgian Malinois, two Jack Russell Terriers, one German Shepherd and one Labrador Golden Retriever – all aged five years and above – with sufficient food, grooming and loving care.

Aaron Aquino, PDEA director general, said the retired dogs are heroes as they helped the anti-narcotics agencies in anti-illegal drug operations.

The NDDs were used in detection of illegal drugs during implementation of search warrants at establishments, greyhound operations in jails and prisons, as well as in interdiction and checkpoint operations at airports and seaports.

“They are hailed as heroes after serving in the frontline of the government’s fight against illegal drugs. Now, they have found a new family and a home where they will be treated not as heroes but simply as dogs,” Aquino said in a statement.

PDEA personnel will visit the adopted dogs from time to time to monitor their welfare. – With Ramon Efren Lazaro