‘Ensure that sniffer dogs are legal’

While the industry is increasingly turning to sniffer dogs as a screening mechanism, their credentials need to be carefully checked out, says Professional Risk & Asset Management MD Bob Garbett. “The handlers, the dogs and the organisation itself must meet certain training and other criteria and must possess certificates covering the organisation, their personnel and the training of the dog,” says Garbett. “The current acceptable standard for dog handlers ( DH1-5) will soon be replaced by SASETA Unit Standards which are expected to come into operation around September this year.” If “illegal” dogs are used and there is an incident involving the cargo either here or in any other country through which the cargo passes, liability insurers would certainly repudiate claims.