BAGALKOT: In a major boost, the popular local breed of Mudhol hounds have joined the Special Protection Group (SGP) which is tasked with protecting the Prime Minister.
The SPG authorities have inducted two male Mudhol pups, aged two months, from the Canine Research & Information Centre at Timmapur in Mudhol taluk.
Two dog trainers from the SPG, along with veterinarian Dr B M Panchabuddhe, visited the research centre on April 25 and received the two pups after getting in touch with the Bagalkot and Dharwad SPs and the district administration in Bagalkot and Dharwad.
Canine Research & Information Centre co-ordinator Sushant Handage says, “These house have been doing great work. It’s a matter of pride that two Mudhol hounds from our centre have joined the SPG now. This is good news for Mudhol and the entire state”.
The two pups, aged two months, were examined for an hour and will be inducted in security duties after training. The issue was kept under wraps due to security concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a mention about local dog breeds in one of his Man ki Baat speeches and had highlighted the Mudhol hounds. Mudhol hounds have already joined security duties in the Army, CRPF, ITBP, forest service, police forces, CISF, SSB, BSF and Air Force.