How do dogs compare to other demining tools?

MLI’s global assessment on MDDs, along with field experience in affected countries such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Mozambique, Nicaragua and Rwanda, illustrates the significant impact of dogs as a key element in an affordable and sustainable indigenous humanitarian demining program.

Some mine-affected areas have highly metallic soil, while most mines have very little metallic content—rendering metal detectors a highly ineffective demining tool. For places with this type of land, dogs represent an indispensable alternative to metal detectors. Often, hundreds of pieces of metal must be examined to find a single mine. This is a hazardous and time-consuming process that uses precious human resources to clear relatively small amounts of suspect ground. Clearance machines, while extremely helpful in certain situations, lack flexibility and are too expensive for most war-torn countries.

In addition, estimates indicate that dogs can survey approximately 90% of the territory manual deminers can—in a quicker fashion, with no loss in accuracy or safety.

Thanks in part to the K9DC Campaign, the number of mine dogs has grown remarkably in the last 3 years. Approximately 700 mine detection dogs now "sniff out" landmines in 23 countries around the world.

Yet, with over 60 mine affected countries, more than two new landmine victims every hour, and millions of acres of contaminated land, there is much work to be done—and a great need for more highly-trained dog teams.

How are mine detection dogs treated in countries where dogs are not traditionally accepted?

Most cultures understand and appreciate the performance of working animals. The strong bond that develops between the dog and the handler, along with the beneficial work accomplished by the effective dog team, often tends to change a+ttitudes of the local populace towards the animal. People usually begin to view the team as a positive force, bringing safety and stability back to the community.