As a stray joins Kolkata Police, inducting them worldwide as service dogs won't be the worst idea

When it comes to defence and detection, there is no alternative to paws on the ground. And what better paws than desi ones, to hoof it to the most trying spots to sniff out the enemy or explosives?

That realisation came rather belatedly to the Indian armed forces, as indigenous Mudhol hounds from Karnataka were inducted only in 2018, after intensive training. That the Indian hound matched the high standards set by the traditional foreign breeds seen in such roles — affable Labradors and sharp German Shepherds and agile Malinois — begged the question of why there was a dogma that desi breeds were unsuitable for induction, particularly the most prevalent variety, the Indian ‘roadesian’, or street dog.

Indian pie dogs have already proven their intelligence and ability in their self-appointed roles as guardians of whatever street or neighbourhood they live in. There’s every reason to believe these qualities would be useful in official roles.

So, it is heartening that the Kolkata Police has recently trained and inducted Asha as the first Indian mongrel cop.

Her success will go a long way in dispelling the theory that Indian stray dogs are too independent-minded to become disciplined professionals. And given the reported worldwide shortage of service dogs due to lack of genetic diversity, Indian pies could become the hardy alternative.