The U.S. Is Now Outfitting Military Dogs With Bulletproof Vests
The Associated Press, via ABCNEWS reports:
"We need to protect our dogs just like we protect our people," said Staff Sgt. Jarrod Zaleski, the Army kennel master in Iraq. "This is still considered a war situation."
The U.S. Army has some 30 dogs in Iraq, guarding bases and checking cars for explosives. Zaleski says the dogs have uncovered car bombs and have such sensitive noses that one was able to smell an ammunition clip in a woman's pocketbook.
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The tan and green camouflage vest covers Kastor's body, leaving only his head, neck and his hind legs exposed.
Zaleski said no dogs have been killed in Iraq although several have suffered injuries to their paws while walking through debris or shattered glass.
On some missions the dogs are now equipped with padded boots to protect their paws from getting cut up.
"Someone just needs to come up with a helmet for dogs and we'd be good," quipped Zaleski.
[. . .]
Dog vests cost about $1,200 and most of the animals don't like them.
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