La Laguna Enhances Emergency Response with Canine Rescue Team Neka, Maya, and Nala

The City Council of La Laguna has taken a significant step in bolstering its emergency response capabilities by reaffirming its partnership with three highly trained rescue dogs. This collaboration aims to ensure that the municipality is well-equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Strengthening Ties with Canine Rescue Experts

In a recent ceremony, the City Council of La Laguna officially renewed its partnership with Neka, Maya, and Nala—three exceptional dogs renowned for their skills in rescue operations and locating individuals in distress during emergencies. This renewed agreement will extend until 2029, solidifying the role of these talented canines within the municipality’s Civil Protection Canine Unit.

The formal signing of the agreement was conducted by the Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, alongside the dogs’ dedicated owners—Domingo José Torres, Pablo Martín, and José Enrique Serrantes. The event also featured the Councillor for Citizen Security, Badel Albelo, who underscored the critical importance of this initiative in enhancing public safety.

Both Gutiérrez and Albelo highlighted the vital role played by the Civil Protection Canine Unit in efficiently locating victims during various types of disasters. Their emphasis on the unit’s capabilities is particularly relevant in challenging scenarios such as building collapses or natural disasters, where every second counts in saving lives.

Comprehensive Training and Expertise of the Canine Unit

The dogs that comprise the Civil Protection Canine Unit undergo extensive training in multiple disciplines, including canine behavior, first aid, and specialized rescue techniques. This rigorous training prepares them to navigate complex emergency situations, ensuring they can effectively assist in locating individuals in distress.

Moreover, the unit is affiliated with the National Association of Search Dog Groups (ANGPS), which is part of the International Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO). This affiliation guarantees that the dog-handler teams receive proper accreditation and are subject to biannual assessments to maintain their certification in various search methodologies. Such rigorous standards ensure that the teams are always prepared for the challenges they may face in the field.

Meet the Canine Heroes of La Laguna

The canine trio—Neka and Nala, both Belgian Tervuren shepherds, and Maya, a Belgian Malinois—are not only fully registered and vaccinated but also certified for their critical roles in rescue operations and the detection of human remains. Their extensive training and expertise render them invaluable assets during emergency situations, where their skills can make a significant difference in saving lives.

The dedication of these dogs and their handlers is a testament to the commitment of La Laguna to ensure that its emergency response capabilities are top-notch. The partnership with these canines is not merely a formality; it represents a serious investment in the safety and well-being of the community.

Financial Commitment to Canine Care

As part of the renewed agreement, the City Council has pledged to cover all expenses related to the care of the dogs. This includes essential veterinary services, feeding, and necessary equipment to ensure that the dogs remain in peak condition for their demanding roles. The total municipal investment for this initiative amounts to €50,208, which will be allocated over the years to guarantee the well-being of these remarkable animals.

In addition, the owners of Neka, Maya, and Nala have committed to providing their services exclusively to the Civil Protection unit throughout the four-year term of this agreement, which is set to conclude on October 15, 2029. This exclusivity ensures that the dogs are dedicated solely to emergency operations conducted by the specialized unit, maximizing their effectiveness in critical situations.

Key points

• The City Council of La Laguna has renewed its collaboration with three rescue dogs until 2029.
• The agreement was signed by Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and the dogs’ owners.
• The Civil Protection Canine Unit is crucial for locating victims in emergencies.
• The dogs are trained in various specialties, including rescue techniques and first aid.
• The unit is affiliated with ANGPS and IRO for accreditation and assessment.
• The City Council will invest €50,208 for the dogs’ care and equipment.
• The owners must provide the dogs exclusively for the Civil Protection unit’s operations.