Pune Forest Department Plans Horse Squad For Wildlife Crime Detection
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The Pune forest department is set to introduce a horse squad for wildlife crime detection and patrolling, following the success of their dog squad. This makes them the first in Maharashtra, and potentially in India, to venture into equine-assisted crime control.
Currently, professionals are training a horse on a pilot basis for this crucial role. Over the past six months, experts from the RESQ Charitable Trust have been diligently preparing the equine, with plans to complete training within the next year. Unlike dogs, which are trained for sniffing, horses will specialize in chasing, particularly in challenging terrains inaccessible to vehicles.
Explaining the need for such an initiative, a senior forest department official highlighted the difficulties in investigating wildlife crimes in dense vegetation or areas without proper roads. Horses, adept at navigating these terrains, will significantly aid in on-ground investigations and patrolling efforts.
Rahalkar, a spokesperson for the department, emphasized the uniqueness of this approach, noting that very few countries employ horse squads for wildlife protection. If successful, Pune’s pilot project could pave the way for similar units across the country, serving as a force multiplier against crimes like poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction.
The Pune district has seen numerous wildlife crime incidents, including killings and trafficking, often necessitating swift and efficient investigative responses. The introduction of the horse squad is aimed at enhancing protection in such cases, particularly in grasslands and other challenging environments.
As the training progresses, the forest department remains optimistic about the outcomes, anticipating a significant boost to their wildlife conservation efforts with the induction of these specially trained equines.
