German police dogs to wear shoes

(February 28, Berlin, Sri Lanka Guardian) A police officer puts on shoes for his dog in this undated photo provided by police in Duesseldorf, western Germany, on Monday Feb. 25, 2008. Police dogs in the western German city of Duesseldorf will no longer get their feet dirty when on patrol: The entire dog unit will soon be equipped with blue plastic fiber shoes, officials said Monday. 'All 20 of our police dogs, German and Belgian shepherds, are currently being trained to walk in these shoes,' Andre Hartwich said. 'I'm not sure they like it, but they'll have to get used to it.' The unusual footwear is not a fashion statement but rather a necessity due to the high rate of paw injuries on duty.
(AP Photo)