To prepare for earthquake in Manila, Filipinos train pet to become rescue dogs

Filipino volunteers and dogs in the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s K9 Training Center ( from Reuters video)

MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) — Manila’s metro disaster corps is providing free training to Filipino pet owners who want their canines to become rescue dogs if a devastating earthquake hits the city.

To prepare Filipinos for a magnitude 7.2-magnitude earthquake that, Philippine geologists believe, may hit the Philippine capital, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) trains dozens of volunteers and their dogs in search and rescue protocols every Saturday.

The training includes searching through debris and agility courses, as well as exercises on commanding dogs to heel, stay put and track people.

Philippine geologists estimate 30,000 households could be affected and thousands could die when the fault running through Manila moves.

The MMDA K9 corps wants at least three to five rescue dogs in each village in Manila area to minimize casualties.