On June 15, 2021, officials of the Directorate of Canine Services of the Department for Specialized Training and Canine Services of the State Customs Service of Ukraine held a regular meeting under the OSCE Comprehensive Programme on “Strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects”. The officials of OSCE and of the Dog training Center of the Guardia Civil (Spain) took part in the meeting.

The main purpose of the event is to promote the exchange of information on daily and official activities of the canine units of the customs administartions of Ukraine and Spain under preparation for further organization and joint familiarizing events (visits).

During the meeting, Spanish Colleagues presented the organizational and staff structure of the Canine Service of the Spanish Guardia Civil, including the example of a separate canine unit. They also informed about the peculiarities of staffing units with personnel and service dogs. The Ukrainian Party shared its experience in the selection of dog handlers and service dogs, the procedure for their use. The result of the event was the coordination of steps to prepare for the next meeting.