Tobaeki, a rescue dog dispatched to Turkey, was bandaged and carried out his mission at the scene of the disaster, causing public concern. Some suggested that rescue dogs should wear shoes, but he explained that toe bag handlers do not wear shoes to rescue dogs because there is a greater risk of injury if they wear shoes.
In an interview with Newsrider, a current affairs and cultural program on YTN on the 21st, firefighter Kim Chul-hyun, whose handler is Tobaek, explained why rescue dogs do not wear shoes. Previously, netizens commented on the article that Tobaek, who had bandaged his feet and conducted search activities, wished rescue dogs would wear shoes. It was because of concerns that rescue dogs might be stabbed by sharp objects while navigating through the rubble.
Regarding this concern, Fire Commissioner Kim said, “The soles of dogs are a very important sensory organ and are sensitive,” adding, “So when you wear shoes, your sense of balance is lost and you lose the feeling of the floor, which can lead to more serious injuries such as falls due to a dull sense. there is,” he said. He continued, “We also want to actively use rescue dogs wearing protective equipment if they can be safe.”
Our rescue dogs, including Tobaek, were dispatched to Turkiye on the 7th to carry out search activities, and returned on the 18th after completing their mission. The first group of the Korea Emergency Rescue Team (KDRT), which returned with rescue dogs, rescued 8 survivors and recovered 19 bodies in the Antakya area, Hatay Province, southeast of Turkiye.
The local media in Turkey highlighted the ‘bandage fighting spirit’ of rescue dogs, four-legged heroes. Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haver reported that three rescue dogs from South Korea continued their search despite injured feet. In the released video, the rescue dogs were active in dangerous scenes, such as running over the rubble of collapsed buildings and approaching narrow spaces where it was difficult for people to enter.
Tobaek wore a bandage and carried out his mission. Regarding Tobaek’s search with a bandage, the rescuer said, “It was to prevent the wound from getting worse.” Regarding Tobaek’s health condition, he explained, “There is no abnormality at all” and “He is healthy.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.