SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant move to bolster forensic investigative capabilities, the Dominican Republic’s Superior Council of the Public Ministry has formally authorized the establishment of a specialized Canine Unit. This strategic initiative is designed to enhance efforts in locating missing persons and recovering human remains, addressing a critical need in the nation’s law enforcement and forensic services.
The newly formed unit will operate under the technical supervision of the National Institute of Forensic Pathology (Inacif). Its deployment will follow strict operational protocols, coordinating with various state agencies to ensure comprehensive investigative support. The decision was finalized during the Thirteenth Ordinary Session on January 8, presided over by Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso alongside other high-ranking officials from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
International partnerships will play a vital role in the unit’s development, with foreign cooperation being secured for the specialized training of handlers and canine teams. In a commitment to ethical standards, authorities have pledged full compliance with Law 248-12 on Animal Protection. A specific care protocol is being developed to guarantee the welfare, proper treatment, and humane conditions for the dogs integral to the unit’s operations. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to modernizing its public safety services and delivering more effective results for society.