Dog handler Phuong Sarath keeps his new "weapon" in check.
Cambodia's first terrorism trial marked the debut of a squad of 10 attack dogs trained
for use in demonstrations.
The 10 muzzled german shepherds and alsatians and their handlers were deployed in
and around the Supreme Court compound where the CFF trial took place.
"It is the first time we have used riot dogs in Cambodia," said Tep Borany,
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Interior's Crime Department.
"We have them for cracking down on demonstrations and searching for evidence
of crimes."
According to Borany, the unit was created on the instructions of Police Director-General
Hok Lundy, who sent 10 policemen to Vietnam last year to undergo a dog-handling course.
The handlers returned to Cambodia in December with dogs donated by the Vietnamese.
According to dog handler Phuong Sarath, 30, the dogs must be muzzled for policing
activities, particularly during demonstrations, but muzzles can be removed in threatening
situations.
"If any of the CFF suspects try to escape from the courtroom, we are able to
release our dogs to chase and bite [the suspects] but not to injure and kill,"
said Mao Dara, Chief of the MoI Crime Unit.
Sarath was unapologetic about an incident in which his dog, Laika, attempted to attack
a group of children passing the Supreme Court on the afternoon of June 12.
"My dog hates girls and children," Sarath explained.
Contact PhnomPenh Post for full article
Post Media Co LtdThe Elements Condominium, Level 7
Hun Sen Boulevard
Phum Tuol Roka III
Sangkat Chak Angre Krom, Khan Meanchey
12353 Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Telegram: 092 555 741
Email: [email protected]