The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is set to launch a new canine unit through its Protection Branch this summer.
The new unit, consisting of five dogs and their conservation agent-handlers, will be stationed around the state and used as necessary to work throughout Missouri.
According to MDC, the capabilities of canines are extensive in conservation-related work, but common uses include tracking, evidence recovery, search and rescue, wildlife detection and public outreach programs. Another rapidly-growing use of canines is in the field of endangered and invasive species. There are currently 36 other states using dogs in their conservation efforts.
Retriever-style dog breeds were specifically purchased for the MDC program, which consists of three Labrador Retrievers and two German Shorthaired Pointers. The dogs will be used for a variety of enforcement investigations, such as evidence recovery and wildlife trafficking. They will also be used in public outreach programs at fairs and schools.
The approved conservation agent-handlers and canines are:
• Susan Swem and Lab, Astro, stationed in the southwest region;
• Justin Pyburn and Lab, Korra, stationed in the Kansas City region;
• Agent Caleb Pryor and Pointer, Zara, stationed in the northwest region;
• Don Clever and Lab, Penny, stationed in the northeast region; and
• Alan Lamb and Pointer, Tex, stationed in the southeast region.
MDC has partnered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which has its own canine training program, to provide certified canine training services. The canine handlers and their partners initiated a rigorous nine-week training program with Indiana DNR in February and graduated from the program May 14.
The launch of the MDC canine unit is supported through a partnership with both Diamond Pet Foods and Purina, which sponsored the canine team and is providing dog food.
PHOTO: MDC’s Protection Branch will launch a new canine unit this summer. Five retriever-style dog breeds will be stationed throughout the state and assist their conservation agent-handlers in evidence recovery and wildlife trafficking cases. Pictured left to right: Cpl. Alan Lamb and Tex (MDC), Cpl. Susan Swem/Astro (MDC), Conservation Officer Justin Brimhall/Cooper (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources), Master Officer Jeffrey Milner/Coda (Indiana Department of Natural Resources), Cpl. Don Clever/Penny (MDC), Game Warden Sean Coleman/Riggs (Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism), Cpl. Caleb Pryor/Zara (MDC), Cpl. Justin Pyburn/Korra (MDC), and Conservation Police David Hennaman/Waylon (Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries). (Photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation)