IRIA News

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British Army dogs will get goggles and combat vests as part of a $4 million Canine Support Solutions contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) to Von Wolf K9 Sport & Service Dog Equipment. The five-year deal will supply equipment to over 500 military working dogs deployed by the British Army, Royal Air Force (RAF), MOD Police, and other defense organizations.

This new $4 million (£3 million) contract has been awarded by Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Military working dogs play a pivotal role in the UK’s national security infrastructure, from detection and protection roles to accompanying soldiers on parachute missions or rapid descents. This contract, with an option for a two-year extension, aims to provide a comprehensive range of protective, welfare, and training equipment to ensure these highly trained dogs are fully equipped for the diverse and demanding environments in which they serve.

Among the vital equipment included in the contract are specialized goggles for eye protection, hearing protection for use in blast zones, and fleece-lined, rubber-soled paw protectors to shield the dogs from extreme temperatures and dangerous debris, such as shrapnel, encountered during military operations.

Additional gear includes cooling vests for hot climates and flotation devices for water-based missions. Harnesses have also been commissioned to allow military dogs to accompany soldiers during parachute jumps or fast-rope descents from helicopters. These safety measures are critical as the animals often work in extreme conditions that can cause serious injury or fatigue without proper protection.

The contract further extends to providing essentials for the dogs, such as waste bags, bowls, and leads. For enrichment and physical exercise, the deal includes balls, tunnels, weave poles, jumps, and toys. These ensure that the dogs maintain peak physical condition and remain mentally stimulated, which is crucial for their overall well-being and operational performance.

Liam Brown, the Defense Equipment and Support Operations Manager of the British military emphasized the importance of ensuring both the safety and welfare of military dogs and their handlers. “The welfare and security of all Military Working Dogs and handlers is of paramount importance to us, and this contract with Von Wolf will enhance our offering by catering to their needs and specific requirements in the most efficient way,” Brown said.

The Surrey-based Von Wolf K9 Sport & Service Dog Equipment Limited is renowned for its high-quality equipment and expertise in working dog support solutions. Sally Dickinson, Director of Von Wolf, expressed the company’s dedication to the project, saying, “This is more than just a business opportunity for us, it’s a responsibility we take to heart, knowing that the safety and wellbeing of these remarkable animals play a crucial role in our nation’s security.”

The contract also aligns with the Government’s Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Code of Practice. These regulations outline the five essential welfare needs for animals, including proper diet, suitable living environments, the ability to exhibit natural behaviors, protection from pain and injury, and appropriate companionship. By meeting these welfare standards, the contract ensures that military dogs are not only effective in their roles but are also treated with the highest regard for their health and safety.

“Dogs are the Armed Forces best friend and have invaluable roles in combat: from mine-clearing to sniffing out danger to help keep Britain safe,” an MoD spokesman said. “This contract will help train more than 500 military working dogs, from German shepherds to springer spaniels.”

This latest contract builds on the UK’s continued investment in its military working dogs. In recent years, the government opened a $30 million kennel center for the RAF Police’s Military Working Dogs at RAF Marham in Norfolk. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide the best care, training, and accommodation for these dogs, further underscoring the MOD’s dedication to enhancing their welfare.

Military dogs have long been a key asset to defense forces worldwide, with a history of service dating back to World War I and World War II. From patrolling bases to sniffing out explosives, the military has increasingly relied on their unparalleled detection capabilities and loyalty. However, the nature of modern warfare, including urban combat zones and terrorist threats, has heightened the need for specialized training and protection for these animals.