The work of the Mine Detection Dog Center in Bosnia & Herzegovina

SUMMARY: It is a well-known fact that the last war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was brutal in so many ways: the country and its people suffered many hardships. In addition to the thousands of people who lost their lives, and families who lost their homes, one of the terrible legacies of the war that erupted in the 1990s are mines left to lurk for their new victims. Landmines- weapons of war – have become weapons against civilians, making safe life and progress impossible. The demining process in BiH began immediately after the war, but the situation with minefields in this country is so complex that the demining process continues even today. Consequently, Bosnia and Herzegovina developed expertise in dealing with mine contamination, and has outstanding results in using mine detection dogs. One of the largest donors in mine action, the United States, initiated the establishment of the Mine Detection Dog Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina, abbreviated MDDC, in late 2002. Bosnia and Herzegovina received and still receives a great support, so we decided to return the favor through the training of mine detection dogs for partner organizations around the world. Mine detection dogs proved to be an excellent tool in reducing large mine suspected areas to actual mine contaminated area. The center was build outside the town of Konjic, in a modern facility with numerous buildings, offices, spacious kennels, veterinarian station and large training fields, all surrounded with breathtaking mountains and lakes.