Mumbai: In a major step to upgrade infrastructure for its canine unit, the Mumbai Police will soon build a ₹10 crore state-of-the-art kennel complex at the Marol Police Training Centre in Andheri East. The proposed facility will house and care for the force’s service dogs and provide them with advanced training and medical amenities.
According to police sources, the Mumbai Police currently has 33 dogs from various breeds including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and Dobermans. These dogs are deployed in units such as Anti-Narcotics, Bomb Detection and Disposal, and VIP Security. Each dog is assigned two police constables for its care and handling.
The long-pending demand for a dedicated and modern housing facility for these dogs has finally been approved by the Home Department, officials said. The upcoming complex will not only accommodate up to 50 dogs, but will also feature an isolation ward for sick or injured canines needing medical attention.
Moreover, for the first time, the new facility will include provisions for retired service dogs to be housed and cared for on-site. Previously, retired dogs were handed over to NGOs or animal lovers for further care.
The facility will also include a dedicated training center for newly recruited dogs in the canine squad. Established in 1967, the Mumbai Police Dog Squad plays a vital role in crime detection, especially in cases involving drugs, explosives, and crime scene investigation.
Despite having a large police force of over 52,000 personnel tasked with safeguarding a population of more than 1.5 crore, Mumbai Police heavily relies on its dog squad due to their unmatched tracking and detection abilities.
The dog squad is divided into two primary divisions — one that works under the Crime Branch, which has eight dogs trained in narcotics detection and crime scene tracking, and another with 24 dogs deployed for bomb detection and VIP security duties. Officials believe the new facility will significantly enhance the operational efficiency and welfare of the Mumbai Police canine unit.
