Why authorities are looking for a Sh700k elite Belgian Malinois dog that went missing

Police officers in Meru County have been assigned the task of locating a missing dog that was stolen from its kennel this week. The officers, based at Tigania Police Station, are conducting a search for the dog named Jet, which was reported missing around midday on Tuesday.

According to the police report, the seven-year-old Belgian Malinois breed dog was discovered missing when a guide went to the kennel to feed it. Jet is known to be one of the best-trained dogs in Meru County, and the breed itself is considered expensive, with a potential cost of up to Sh700,000, depending on factors such as training level and age.

The police suspect that the dog was taken by someone familiar with its behavior and movements. The Belgian Malinois is recognized for its intelligence and versatility, making it a popular choice for police and military work.

It’s important to note that the police department has its own dog unit, known as Lang’ata K-9, headquartered in Lang’ata. This unit is responsible for conducting searches and supporting various police operations. The dogs in the unit are highly trained and play a crucial role in activities such as preventing criminal actions, tracking down suspects, and detecting drugs and weapons.

The police dog unit has approximately 5,000 dogs deployed across various counties and key institutions, including airports, water reservoirs, Parliament, and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. Some dogs are also assigned to VIPs, especially the president. The care, procurement, and training of these dogs, along with their handlers, are vital components of the unit’s operations.