Mudhol hounds join protection force

Karnataka veterinary varsity hands over two pups of Mudhol hounds to Special Protection Group (SPG) authorities.

The Canine Research and Information Centre (CRIC) of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) handed over two pups to the SPG authorities.
With this, the CRIC has supplied puppies to the remount veterinary corps of the Indian forces.

The Mudhol Hound, also known variously as the Maratha Hound, the Pashmi Hound, the Kathewar Dog and the Caravan Hound, is a breed of sighthound from India.
It is a breed of hunting dog native to north Karnataka.
The Mudhol hounds get their name from the erstwhile kingdom of Mudhol (in present-day Bagalkot), whose rulers first began to breed them.
They are believed to have been bred first by Raja Malojirao Ghorpade of the erstwhile Deccan kingdom of Mudhol, who, after seeing the qualities of the dogs that the tribals of his territory kept, decided to breed them selectively.
It is known for it’s hunting and guarding skills.
The dogs are fast runners, with excellent stamina and agility, and have a sharp vision and a keen sense of smell.
The dogs already serve with the Indian armed forces and some paramilitary forces and could become the first indigenous breed to be part of the SPG.

It was raised under the Special Protections Group Act, 1988.
Under the Act, the SPG provides security to the Prime Minister and his immediate family members.
It also provides security to former prime ministers and their immediate family members for a period of one year from the date on which they cease to hold office.
Beyond this period, SPG security is provided based on the level of threat as decided by the central government.
The threat must: (i) emanate from a military or terrorist organisation, and (ii) be of a grave and continuing nature.

The SPG comprises personnel from the CRPF, Border Security Force, and other Central and State forces.

The Bill amends the Special Protections Group Act, 1988.
The Bill amends this provision to state that the SPG will provide security to the Prime Minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence.
It will also provide security to any former Prime Minister or his immediate family members residing with him at the residence allotted to him.
This security will be provided for a period of five years from the date on which he ceases to hold the office of Prime Minister.
The Act provides that if SPG security is withdrawn from a former Prime Minister, it will also be withdrawn from his immediate family members, unless the level of threat faced by the immediate family member warrants such security.
The Bill removes this condition to state that if the SPG security is withdrawn from a former Prime Minister, it will also be withdrawn from his immediate family members.

Pic Courtesy: Barks.in

Content Source: The Hindu