Detection Dogs

Czech dogs in Congo search for ivory, bushmeat, and ammunition. In 2014, a pilot project was launched in Brazzaville to deploy dogs in the search for ivory and other illegal contraband—the first initiative of its kind in the wider region.

We have been involved from the very beginning. Under the guidance of local handlers, the dogs continue to monitor key roads and ports used by smugglers to transport illegal goods.

Thanks to our involvement, in 2015 the first Czech Belgian Shepherd female named Cama was brought to Congo. The project later expanded thanks to her litter of puppies. Initially, the dog program was managed with the approval of the local government by PALF (EAGLE Network), later by The Aspinall Foundation, while our coordinator Arthur served as the unit’s lead coordinator.

In 2018, with six dogs in operation, the project split into two branches: inland and northern Congo under African Parks (Odzala-Kokoua National Park), and the coast and southern part of the country under the Jane Goodall Institute in the Tchimpounga Reserve.

Until 2021, we provided intensive support particularly to the northern branch of the project, and to this day we remain in contact with active units as well as caretakers of retired dogs. During the course of the detection dog programs in Congo, thanks to cooperation with Czech dog trainers, we helped donate two specially trained Czech female dogs to Congo—Cama from Hana Böhme (2015) and Holy from police officer Martin Štěrba (2019)—and also assisted with the commercial import of another Czech dog, Charm (2019).

Professional trainers and volunteers, including cynology students and veterinarians, also participated in subsequent training and care directly in the field. We supported the project through media outreach, material assistance, and partial financial support. At present, however, we are no longer actively involved and the project is now entirely in the hands of local partners.