Earthquake relief group says rescue dog will be great

By Kim Se-jeong

“Tobaek,” is in good condition. The Korean rescue dog at the center of controversy earlier this month over an injury he sustained during a search operation in earthquake-stricken Turkey, was not a victim of animal abuse according to a member of the first Korean disaster relief team sent to the country.

The remarks by relief team member, Kim Cheol-hyun, followed a photo of the six-year-old Labrador retriever walking through building rubble with a bandage around its front right paw. This photo drew criticism from some who claimed that the relief team failed to protect the dog properly.

Tobaek was among four rescue dogs that accompanied the relief team for its search and rescue operations over 10 days after the Feb. 6 earthquake.

“We felt the need for protective gear for the rescue dog, but we couldn’t give anything because a dog’s paws are a very important sensory organ and are sensitive. If the dogs had worn protective gear, they could have lost balance which can cause a bigger injury,” Kim, who was responsible for the dogs, told local news outlet YTN.

“No rescue dog around the world wears any protective gear during a mission,” he added.

Regarding the cause of the injury and the dog’s current condition, Kim explained that Tobaek had a slight cut on his right front paw from a sharp object. “He bled and received treatment immediately and because the injury wasn’t so serious, he continued the rescue work.”

The dog was sent for a health check-up after returning home. Kim said he is not worried about the result. “Although the result will not be available around Thursday or Friday, I think he will be fine. He didn’t have any serious problem in the preliminary examination.”

Kim has worked with Tobaek for more than three years on 140 rescue missions.

“Usually, rescue dogs retire around nine years old. I hope Tobaek will also be able to retire around that time.”