Karnataka's Mudhol Hounds may be deployed in CISF, NSG

The Mudhol Hound breed of dogs from Karnataka may soon find a place in CISF and the elite National Security Guards' (NSG) dog squads.

A Parliamentary panel has suggested authorities that they should explore such a possibility.

In a recent report on the working conditions of paramilitary forces, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs said that the canines deployed along with the forces play a very crucial role.

It also said that the dog squad forms an essential part of the force.

Discussing the functioning of dog squads in CISF, the panel headed by former home minister P Chidambaram said that dogs are an additional layer to the existing security system of the CISF and various breeds are inducted into the force according to their inherent qualities.

At present, the CISF has 470 dogs and 623 handlers.

While discussing the matter, one of the two reports on the paramilitary forces, placed before the Parliament last week said that the importance of Belgian Malino breed of dogs, "known for its remarkable memory, intelligence and ferocious nature", was discussed in one of the meetings earlier in May.

The breed is already available with the NSG.

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"In the said meeting, it was also discussed that NSG may also explore the possibility of inducting the Mudhol Hound breed of Karnataka," it said.

The Mudhol Hounds, which gets its name from the small town in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, are easy to groom and thrives on human companionship.

The Mudhol Hounds were bred by Raja Malojirao Ghorpade (1884-1939) and it is speculated that the former ruler of Mudhol presented two puppies to King George V.

A number of families in Mudhol raise this breed for marketing purposes.

On its part, the panel said it was of the considered view that proper rearing of the dog squads and adequate training of the handlers appointed in the force is very important for an effective and efficient use of the canine.

"The Committee, in this connection, recommends that sufficient number of dog squads including the Mudhol Hound breed of Karnataka and the Belgian Malino breed may be considered by the CISF to meet its requirement of providing security cover to various buildings and vital installations," it said.