Stopping and prosecuting smugglers is a first important step in stopping illegal wildlife trade.
We currently have 10 wildlife detection dogs, who have been specially trained to detect wildlife hidden in cargo and transport. Each dog has two handlers, working in pairs for safety reasons and working alongside the National Police of Indonesia.
Together with their trained handlers, the dogs patrol several harbors and airports which are known for being main smuggling routes between islands. Over the years, they have saved thousands of animals which were destined for the illegal wildlife trade.
Their jobs are not without risks, as the sniffer dogs have earned the reputation of being very successful during raids at the Indonesian harbors and airports. The illegal wildlife trade continues to thrive in Indonesia…
Regular exchange of knowledge to discuss new K9 sniffer methods with their Dutch partners, Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, has made this small and committed Indonesian team a force to be reckoned with.
We have the full assistance of the different local authorities in Indonesia. Together we continue to rescue smuggled wildlife at several of the most trafficked routes in Asia - every single week!
A short summary of this program's activities
Training Bailey and other K9 dogs
Bailey is our first wildlife detection dog and a pure superpower. She has proven that the patrols produce great results: with her on board we are able to find many smuggled animals.
That is why we have extended the team with five more K9 dogs. Just like Bailey, they were trained by the Dutch Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs. Puppies learn detection and follow-up work in their training center.
Boat rescues and return to nature
The boat routes between the islands are ideal for smugglers for trading young wild animals that have recently been caught in the jungle. The suffering they endure throughout the journey is tragic: the animals are sick, their stuffed in tiny cages, their teeth are pulled out and their eyes are often damaged.
Animals found on the route can directly be released on their origin island. Once they have arrived in for example Java, a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork is involved. It could take months before an animal is able to return to nature.
Local K9 officers
The dogs are accompanied by locals who have been trained by JAAN. They recognize the dogs’ signals and the ways smugglers use to hide odors. Before new dogs can get started, we first take the time to let them get used their handlers. A bond of trust must be established before they tackle the smugglers together.
A small glimpse of this program
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JAAN relies on the loving and generous support of all animal lovers in Indonesia and the rest of the word.
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