Since its inception in 2012, the K9 antipoaching unit has grown from 3 to 55 dogs. Because of its success, the project has been extended to other national parks with a total of 75 dogs now working across the country of Africa. Well trained dogs such as the Bloodhound and the Belgian Malinois breed (below), are perfectly suited to track poachers in the field, they also detect firearms, ammunition and poachers that enter through the park gates.

These dogs are powerful weapons against wildlife crime by way of their superior senses of smell and hearing, they are agile and can track long distances. They are often deployed by helicopter or vehicle and operate in various huge parks like Kruger in South Africa.
Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo are some of the most expensive animals targeted in poaching for body parts, much used in Chinese medicine or as trophies. There are thousands of black bears, wildebeest, impale and fowl also killed for sport. These “hunters” primary motivation is to obtain animal parts, or the whole animal for display, they are cruel people and most use unsporting methods like baiting or hounding. Animals are often shot in canned hunts (where the animal cannot escape) in large, fenced areas. It is most commonly used in Africa for trophy hunting of lions. Unfortunately, the provinces of south Africa have more authority over wildlife than the national government.
Some Chinese pharmaceutical companies display products that include leopard or pangolin parts on their websites. It is very disappointing to see many major banks and financial institutions endorsing this animal exploitation. Especially when science has many times denied any benefits in consuming these animal parts, it is purely a cultural myth.
In America there are wildlife killing competitions; they delight in killing the ancestors of our dogs; the person who kills the most wolves and coyotes does it for their twisted ego, a title and prize. However, wolves are almost extinct in some areas. Whereas in Texas, canned hunts are offered that include kangaroos, and they charge thousands of dollars for the privilege.
Pam Brandis
Dip.Canine Prac.