The Polish Ministry of the Interior is proposing new legislation that would give Public Service pensions in retirement to animals that have served the State.
The public sector uses animals to locate survivors in collapsed buildings, track down fugitives, foil drugs and explosives smugglers and help control rowdy crowds.
All they get in exchange is food and lodging — and an occasional pat on the head.
When retirement time comes, State care ends for the dogs and horses that serve in Poland’s Police, Border Guard and Fire Service.
They are given away, with no safeguards for their future welfare.
Following appeals from concerned service members, the Ministry is proposing paid retirement to help cover the often costly care bills their new owners face.
Minister for the Interior, Mariusz Kaminski described the draft law as a “moral obligation” which should get unanimous backing when presented in Parliament for approval later this year.
“More than one human life has been saved, more than one dangerous criminal caught, thanks to the animals in service,” Mr Kaminski said.
The new law would affect some 1,200 dogs and more than 60 horses currently in service.
Each year, some 10 per cent of the animals are retired, most of the dogs are German or Belgian Shepherds.
Handler of Warsaw Police sniffer dog, Orbita, Pawel Kuchnio (pictured) says retired dogs almost always require expensive medical care to deal with complaints such as strained hind joints.
The pension money “will certainly be a great help and will make things easier,” Mr Kuchnio said.
The legislation would also confirm the unwritten rule that the animals’ handlers have priority in keeping them before they’re offered up for adoption.
More importantly, it would extend State responsibility for the animals into their retirement time and secure financial support for the owners.
Warsaw, 31 March 2021
