WARSAW – They locate survivors in collapsed buildings, track down fugitives, foil drugs and explosives smugglers and help control rowdy crowds.
All in exchange for food and lodging — and an occasional pat on the head. But when retirement time comes, state care ends for the dogs and horses that serve in Poland's Police, Border Guard and Fire Service.
They are given away, with no safeguards for their future welfare. Following appeals from concerned service members, the Interior Ministry has proposed new legislation that would give these animals an official status, and paid retirement to help cover the often costly care bills their new owners face.