NDRF to Deploy Cadaver Dogs in Disaster Response Missions Across India

In a milestone moment for natural disaster response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is about to deploy specially-trained cadaver dogs and their human-scent detection ability in disasters. Cadaver dogs will be used by rescue teams to recover remains from places like rubble, debris, and hard-to-reach places for grieving families.

Previously, sniffer dogs had been used to locate humans that were alive. Cropping dogs have a unique mission of finding in upper media that may be days or weeks old. Importantly, these animals match the special urgency and issues that arise during a natural disaster, for example earthquakes, landslides, floods, and collapsed buildings, where a significant percentage of victims will have little hope of survival. The bodies themselves are often not easy to find.

The NDRF has already started training a group of selected dogs from its existing canine unit at a specialized training centre. Their training program is very rigorous and scientific and lasts for months. Dogs are put through operational and real life disaster environments, including collapsed structures and debris fields, to explore difficult terrains. The dogs will use synthetic scent compounds and biological materials obtained and ethically used, to learn the distinct odor of human decomposing flesh.

Handlers train the dogs closely, and reward their behavior through positive reinforcement, and a daily drill. The dogs will be trained to remain calm, focused, and resilient even when in a chaotic environment full of noise, dust, and distractions. Training in how to differentiate between animal and human remains will be included during their training, which can be useful during recovery efforts.

“These dogs are not merely skilled; they are emotionally intelligent and incredibly focused,” said one NDRF official. “The ability to locate deceased victims will not only accelerate search operations but will also alleviate the emotional trauma families experience while they are not able to locate loved ones.”

There has been a generally favorable public reaction to the announcement, with many praising the NDRF for creating humane and efficient means of bettering their relief efforts.

In a time of climate change where disasters are increasingly more frequent and more intense, the need for specialized resources has never been more pronounced. The NDRF deploying cadaver dogs is a compassionate and strategic move to honor the dead while serving the living. The first cohort of these trained dogs should be operational by the end of the year.