Bomb-Sniffing Airport Dogs Are Failing Bomb-Sniffing Tests

January 14, 2010 at 2:30 PM | by kjb | Comments (0)

With the new heightened security at airports around the country, it�s likely that you�ll be seeing a few more dogs in the terminal checking things out. We�ve always taken it for granted that they were good at sniffing out trouble, whether it was drug-filled luggage or traces of explosive on a pink bag. Just like their human friends some dogs are a little better than others at their job, but there are some in action that aren�t making the grade.

Three bomb-sniffing dogs based at Philadelphia International Airport actually failed two consecutive tests. Before hitting the front lines, the dogs completed a 10-week training where they learned all about finding the bad guys. Afterward they had to pass a test, and once approved for action they usually need to be re-certified every year or so.

Unfortunately, it seems that a few of the dogs at the Philadelphia airport would rather be outside chasing a Frisbee. However, the three dogs are still working at the airport, but they are just being used as �visual deterrents� as they wait for retraining.

We have a hard time critiquing some doggies, but if they aren�t passing their tests then we say they need to head back to the classroom�or at least get a Rin Tin Tin poster for inspiration. We�ll leave the criticism up to the professionals like Congressman Bob Brady, who isn�t too pleased over the latest test scores. We�re hardly experts on canine airport security, but one thing we do know is that our dog wouldn�t be able to detect anything�well maybe peanut butter.

Related Stories:
· Bomb Sniffing Dogs: Not All Are Up To Snuff To Protect Travel Hubs [USA Today]
· Local Bomb Sniffing Dogs Fail Exam [6ABC]
· Airport Security coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: PhillipC]

Jaunted

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