SOS Malta today launched its first urban canine search and rescue unit to help it in its humanitarian missions.
The unit is made up of nine dogs, four of which have concluded their training, and nine handlers.
All dogs will be fully trained by January 2016. Training costs amounted to €17,000 per dog.
The dogs were trained in Malta and abroad by volunteer John Gera, a former civil protection officer, who offered his services for free.
The team will be used in the eventuality of a disaster in Malta and will also accompany SOS Malta on its missions overseas.
The unit was launched following a €10,000 donation by a Norwegian woman.