Fourteen police dogs received medals and diplomas during an emotional retirement ceremony in Colombia's capital as the furry heroes wrapped up years of service sniffing out drugs, bombs and bodies. (Photo | AP)

Furry heroes: Colombia honours 14 sniffer dogs at emotional retirement ceremony

Fourteen police dogs received medals and diplomas during an emotional retirement ceremony in Colombia's capital as the furry heroes wrapped up years of service sniffing out drugs, bombs and bodies.

Published on:

22 Sep 2018, 6:08 am

Some of the German shepherds, pit bulls and golden retrievers were treated to special scented baths before they were retired during the event in an auditorium at the Chief Prosecutor's Office. (Photo | AP)

Officials plan to put the dogs up for adoption, placing them with families that will help them live out their retirement years in peace. Some dogs could also be taken in by their former handlers. (Photo | AP)

Police dogs in Colombia often participate in dangerous missions, sniffing out landmines for officers who eradicate coca fields, or rescuing bodies in combat zones. (Photo | AP)

Hundreds of dogs serve with Colombia's police and military. A canine school run by the police near Bogota also provides training for dogs and handlers from other Latin American countries. (Photo | AP)

The dogs in service are usually retired when they reach eight or nine years old. (Photo | AP)

During the retirement ceremony for 14 sniffer dogs in Bogota, led by handler Pedro Camargo, sniffer dog Yaco was awarded a certificate and gold medal by Colombia’s Deputy Attorney General Maria Paulina Riveros for his years of service. (Photo | AP)