The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is retiring its K9 units to families who will give these thirteen dogs new homes. In an adoption ceremony in its K9 kennel in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, the PDEA invited aspiring adopters to undergo their screening process.
The narcotics detection dogs (NDDs) have served the government for up to eight years. Among those up for adoption are nine Belgian Malinos, two Jack Russell Terriers, one German Shepherd, and one Golden Retriever.
The NDDs were used to detect illegal drugs during search warrants in establishments, jails, checkpoints, airports, and seaports.
“They’ve undergone training for six months, yun nga lang po ay umabot sila ng retirement age ng service nila. Yun pong other reasons kaya natin to pina-adopt ay old age tapos others did not pass the training, they have no potential to become working dogs and then the others ay may unsound medical health,” Agent Bernie Velasquez said in an interview with RTVM.
The PDEA assured that the dogs can give its new families companionship and happiness. They also want the K9 dogs to retire in a stress-free environment with owners who can take care of them.
“They are hailed as heroes after serving in the frontline of the government’s fight against illegal drugs,” said the PDEA.