Dogs to help Chinese police against terrorists

Beijing, June 2 (IANS) Authorities in China’s capital city are deploying more police dogs to strengthen its ongoing drive against terrorism. The city police have trained over 650 dogs for this purpose here.

Policemen are told to bring large-breed dogs, such as German Shepherds, during their routine patrols in densely populated areas such as urban centres and transport hubs, Xinhua quoted the municipal public security office as saying Sunday.

Dogs have joined police patrols in key areas of downtown Beijing, such as Tian’anmen Square, train stations, open markets and pedestrian streets, since the beginning of this year.

“We plan to expand their work to the peripheral areas of Beijing, especially around the train and bus stations,” said an official with the office.

The dogs are also expected to help police deal with terrorist attacks and keep order in large-scale gatherings.

Due to terror attacks in recent months, China has relaxed controls on armed patrols and reinforced public security to prevent and crack down on criminal activities.