Tel Aviv - The Israeli tradition of using dogs for sentry patrol along the Gaza strip has come under scrutiny from PETA who says that the use of dogs as sentries is unnatural and cruel. While the use of sentry dogs has been standard practice for the Israeli army since the Seven Day War it is not something that the State of Israel readily admits and publicizes.
The dogs, basset hounds are most commonly used, are required to submit to two years minimum service and undergo a rigorous training program that simulates real war-time battle experiences and response measures that includes discipline training to resist chasing after tennis balls, sticks and frisbees thrown by Palestinians which the dogs were initially subsceptible to.
Israeli minister of defense, Shalom Shabar, says "Since the initial distractions were overcome sentry dogs have had an outstanding record of service to their country and saved countless lives of young Israeli soldiers that would have otherwise been needlessly exposed to possible enemy fire."
PETA spokesman Henri Chiason has publicly denounced Shabar "The days of recklessly exposing dogs to enemy fire must come to an end."
"Dogs should not be placed in the cross-fire between Jews and Palestinians."
