Azerbaijan welcomes six new mine detection dogs for humanitarian demining efforts PHOTO

The Agency for Mine Action of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) has announced the arrival of six specially trained Malinois mine detection dogs, following a memorandum of understanding signed with the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI).

These dogs, equipped with specialized training and accredited according to international standards, will play a crucial role in humanitarian demining operations in areas recently liberated from occupation, ANAMA told Caliber.Az.

The integration of these mine detection dogs into the demining efforts is expected to enhance safety and efficiency in clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance. The transportation of the dogs to Azerbaijan was facilitated at no cost by Silk Way West Airlines, reflecting collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges of post-conflict recovery.

This initiative underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring safe and secure environments for its citizens while promoting humanitarian efforts in affected regions.

MLI launched the Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program (MDDPP) in 1999. The program utilizes government and private donations to purchase, train and deliver Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) to landmine removal organizations within a mine-affected country. There are currently more than 900 MDDs working in 24 countries; MLI has donated more than 300 of those dogs.

In 2021, MLI and ANAMA launched a multi-year partnership effort to provide 30 MDDs over two years to expand ANAMA’s demining capabilities.

Since August '21, it provided these 30 lifesaving canines and expanded the K9 capacity with the donation of 10 more hero dogs from a private donor in 2022 and 2023.