Letter: Use dogs for airport security

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001 | 8:34 a.m.

I've been reading and hearing an abundance of disturbing information about airport security weaknesses, causes/reasons, government/private sector efforts, bankrupt airlines, and the estimated time and costs involved to correct an inadequate safety system.

I've been wondering if any thought is being given to using "man's best friend" once again as part of our war effort against terrorism. Having just recently returned from a Las Vegas to Newark flight and observing existing security, seeing a "patrol dog" at an airport doing his/her job would be a great deal more reassuring than what I witnessed.

A trained dog is relentless in doing the assigned job well every time: Bonuses, vacation time, pension, minimum wage, long hours and boring work are of no concern to this dedicated employee.

In shelters all across America, hundreds and thousands of dogs are being euthanized every day. There exists a seemingly endless pool of "recruits" that could be trained as "sniffer" dogs to be used wherever security is needed.

How long would it take to train these "doomed to die" animals before we could see them at our airports and any other "sensitive" areas?

I don't think the idea is farfetched at all. Dogs in service to humanity have a remarkably good track record.

Perhaps the people involved in animal rescue work might look into the possibilities of using all the means available to save dog's lives -- and help win the war against fear of terrorism.

CAROLE LA ROCCA