Police dogs to remain under state's care after retirement: Maharashtra CM

The move comes after consistent concerns regarding the emotional and mental well being of police dogs after being put up for external adoption.

Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 13:16:51 IST

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced that retired state police dogs would no longer be put up for external adoption after 10 years of service.

He reportedly said that dogs will continue to be with their long-term police handlers and the Home Department will take care of expenses in their post-retirement phase.

Fadnavis announced that a dog who had served in the police forces for the stipulated period of 10 years should not be made to suffer at the turn of retirement, news agency ANI reported, citing Maharashtra government sources.

The chief minister said that post-retirement, police dogs should be allowed to spend the rest of its life in a comfortable posture.

In addition, the Maharashtra Home Department will directly take up responsibility to fund all post-retirement costs, including nutrition, healthcare, and daily living needs.

Shift from a previous policy of adoption

Before this directive, service dogs would retire after 10 years of service and be put up for external adoption. This practice raised issues regarding the emotional and psychological health of these dogs post separation, many of whom experienced trauma or refused food in their new environment.

In order to alleviate the sudden mental distress which stems as a direct result of being pulled away from their long-term human companions, these dogs will now have the opportunity to relish full-time state-backed care post retirement by ensuring they enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings after completing their service.

This policy ensures that the long-standing bond and companionship developed between a cop and their canine friend is maintained in a mutually beneficial manner for both parties involved.

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