When U.S. Navy SEALs converged on Osama bin Laden's compound last week, they did so using anever-before seen stealth helicopter and a highly-trained dog.
While the government has not confirmed what breed of dog took part in the operation, militarysources said on Thursday that it may have been a Belgian Malinois, a breed used by law enforcementagencies here in central Ohio, 10TV's Jason Frazer reported.
In Champaign County, Deputy Jeff Turner works alongside Gunner, a Belgian Malinois that hesaid is highly trained, intelligent and resourceful.
"They deal with stress and environment issues very well," Turner said.
In military operations, such as the one that targeted bin Laden, the dog was likely used tosniff out booby traps or hiding compartments.
"It's very common for them to go into a building or area and clear the area," Turner said. "A lot of times they are also equipped with cameras that can transmit what the dog is seeing. A dog can go into an area and pre-map."
And just like soldiers, the canines can be air-dropped from as high as 25,000 feet with the useof oxygen tanks, Frazer reported.
Turner said the versatility is what makes the dogs an invaluable resource.
"The Malinois tends to be a little more high-drive (and) has a better work ethic, which makes itbetter for police work," he said.
The dog was not harmed in the bin Laden operation, Frazer reported.
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