"Green passage" for rescue dogs

The international community has shown great sympathy for China and quake-victims in Sichuan, and made donations in cash and materials upon hearing the massive quake in Sichuan. In a bid to carry out quick and effective inspection and release of quake relief materials, AQSIQ issued an emergency notice on May 15, asking the local entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities to take effective measures to ensure safety and quick release of international quake relief supplies.

As some countries and regions dispatch professional rescue teams to support China?? relief efforts, the notice requires that quarantine procedures should be simplified to facilitate quick release of rescue dogs. Rescue dogs without animal health certificate and vaccination certificate can be immediately released if their conditions meet the requirements of on-the-spot inspection at the port of entry.

According to the requirements set in the notice, Sichuan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau has shown great concerns over flights information of rescue teams, and arranged for dedicated personnel to complete inspection and quarantine procedures in the shortest time possible. Up to 8:00 p.m., May 16, the authority has conducted on-spot clinical inspection of 14 rescue dogs brought by the rescue teams from certain countries and regions. All of the rescue dogs got released immediately after inspection, and the related rescue teams have set out into quake-hit areas to launch relief work.

Rescue teams need to be armed with specially-trained rescue dogs, as well as professional equipment including life detector, rock drill and cutting machine, so as to efficiently indicate victims buried under the debris and carry out timely rescue work.