Solutions to win: dogs aid in clearing Donetsk region of landmines

Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Alvina Kaminska

In the Donetsk region, Kaya, Sisi, and Blert, three service dogs, have become essential helpers for the State Emergency Service (SES) in their demining efforts. These canine detectors are even more efficient in certain situations than traditional metal detectors.

State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that.

Based on the accounts of State Emergency Service staff, the fluffy detectors collaborate with their guides and pyrotechnicians to inspect roadsides, abandoned enemy equipment, and damaged structures.

^{Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine}

They specialize in detecting several types of explosives, including mines and other dangerous objects that may not be visible to traditional devices.

Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine

It is worth noting that their unique abilities allow them to surpass metal detectors often, making them especially useful in identifying potential explosive items in challenging locations.

^{Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine}

"Thanks to their amazing sense of smell, they can easily locate explosive objects even when the pyrotechnics metal detector is unable to do so," the service noted.

^{Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine}

This involves thoroughly checking the areas where the sappers operated, looking for any remaining explosive objects that may have been missed.

^{Photo: Telegram / State Emergency Service of Ukraine}

Kaya, Sissy, and Blert have a fantastic ability to smell, which allows them to detect even the tiniest or most hidden mines that metal detectors might not pick up on. However, dogs can only work in specific temperature ranges, as they are less effective when it gets too hot, around 30–35°C.

The SES received these service dogs courtesy of support from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF). Their work greatly enhances the safety of areas where civilians reside and rescuers operate.

For reference:

It's worth mentioning that a project called "Using Service Dogs for Demining in Ukraine" was recently presented in Ukraine. This project aims to advance the technology used for detecting explosive devices by utilizing female deminers and their four-legged partners.

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