US Embassy Supports Working Law Enforcement Dogs

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), through the U.S. Embassy in Port-of-Spain, has launched a new police dog, canine resources and a canine emergency medical plan. U.S. pet supplier Chewy has donated 80 first aid kits to support this effort.

During a ceremony at the TT Customs and Excise Division (TTCED) kennel facility in Invaders Bay, Port of Spain, U.S. Ambassador Candace Bond presented Dea, a two-year-old German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, to the Trinidad and Tobago Transnational Organized Crime Unit of the TT Police Service (TTPS). Dea joins Thijs, a dog donated by the U.S. government earlier this year, to bolster the fight against illegal trafficking.

Ambassador Bond also announced the launch of a Canine Emergency Medical Plan under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, in partnership with the Wishing for Wings Foundation led by Ms. Debbie Jacob. The plan will provide 24/7 veterinary care to working dogs, including field injuries, non-routine medical care and preventative care. In addition, Ambassador Bond handed over 80 first aid kits to dog handling teams from the TTCED, TTPS and TT Prisons Service.

Additional contributions from INL include training materials, grooming kits and operational equipment to enhance the capabilities of these agencies. INL also assisted Trinidad and Tobago Customs in acquiring six dogs and upgrading their facility to U.S. standards. Plans are underway to renovate the TT Prisons Service kennels through a cooperative cost-sharing program.

Ambassador Bond said, “Our dogs are much more than working animals. They are essential partners in law enforcement, helping to detect narcotics, firearms and ammunition, accompanying search and rescue missions, and providing security patrols. At the heart of the U.S. government’s working dog policy is a commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of animals.”

She added: “All of these efforts come together to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our canine partners, as well as our dedication to international collaboration and compassionate care. Let us uphold the same dedication and respect for our canine team members that they show us every day. Their well-being and effectiveness reflect our core values ​​and our commitment to excellence in all of our endeavors.”

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