One of the oldest services of the Indian Army 'The Remount Veterinary Corps' (RVC) today celebrated its 237th raising day at the headquarter of the Northern Command in Udhampur.
"RVC is the premier agency engaged in breeding, rearing and training of Army Dogs.
"In Northern Command, these dogs are deployed for guarding, tracking, mine detection, explosive detection, search and rescue and avalanche-rescue and Infantry patrolling duties", an army spokesman said.
He said that the "sterling performance of the Silent Warrior (Army Dogs)" under the challenging conditions has transformed them as force multiplier and carved a niche for the RVC and Indian Army.
"To recognise the excellent work done by Army Dogs and their handlers in The Army's Northern Command, eight units have already been awarded with unit citation by Army Chief, Army Commander and the Governor", he said.
He said that till date, a total of two Sena Medal, 83 Chief's Commendation Cards, two Vice Chiefs Commendation Cards and 284 Army Commanders Commendation Cards have been awarded to the dogs and their handlers.
He said that the Corps has excelled in ensuring high standards of health and fitness of Army animals in most difficult and hazardous terrains and adverse conditions through state of art fully equipped Army Veterinary Hospitals located in various parts of Northern Command.
"They have played a major role in providing succor to the needy under operation Sadbhavana by organising veterinary aid camps, training courses and free treatment to civil animals, thereby made invaluable contribution in achieving the stated objective of winning the hearts and minds of local populace", the spokesman said.
He said that the RVC in Northern Command in collaboration with DRDO have a breeding project of Zanskar Pony (Animal Transport).
"These ponies are being trained and inducted in Ladakh
Scouts.
RVC has also contributed immensely in the field of public health by ensuring high standards of foods of animal origin and control of various diseases", he said.
The men and animals deployed in inhospitable terrain have fulfilled their responsibilities with distinction.
The core values of professionalism, hard work and selfless dedication of officers and men have been most admirable, he said.
The General Officer Commanding in Chief (Army Commander) Northern Command Lt Gen DS Hooda, complimented all ranks of Remount Veterinary Corps for their dedication, high degree of professionalism and excellence in performing their duties in difficult and inhospitable terrain conditions in the Northern Command.
