If you are in Ecuador and planning to sneak anything out in your luggage, you better hope that Kipper is not on duty. Kipper just does not care who you think you are when you come into his airport. If you are caring illegal wildlife, he will sniff you out. He is today's Top Dog in the News!

Just this month Kipper, who is part of the Ecuadorian Environmental Police K9 Unit, alerted handlers to a bag. Inside this bag they found 20 dead sea horses and 37 pieces of fish they believe to be shark fins. See Kipper is a specially trained dog, he helps officials find any type of animal, alive, dead, or parts that people are trying to smuggle out. People may be less likely to buy animals if they are in fear of getting busted.

Now, the story over at The Galapagos K-9 Police Unit Strikes Again. Tells how they guy that Kipper busted on one particular day may have stopped the man from taking the goods to his homeland but, the authorities could not punish him. He had diplomatic immunity.

I think they should add a new dog to their K9 unit named The Butt Biter. This way Kipper could sniff bags and his partner 'The Butt Biter' could be sure to "mark" the culprit. You know, take a bit out of crime and a diplomats butt. That would make it all a bit better don't ya think?

I wonder if the diplomat in the story would like to go back to Hong Kong with a big chunk of cheek missing? Maybe he could have a conversation starter. He could tell the story of how stupid he was to try and smuggle seahorses that are protected by international law.

Well, I am happy to know that even though dogs can not always punish the bad guys, we can count on some hard working canines to do the best they can to protect other animals.

Here's to Kipper and all the other 4 legged fuzzbutts in the Galapagos K-9 Unit!

Zed
Protector of my yard