Princess Anne opens kennels

Princess Anne opened three new dog kennels yesterday (28.10.13).

The British royal visited the Defense Animal Centre, in Leicestershire, Middle England, where canines are trained for use by the military in combat zones.

She flew into the centre by helicopter, defying heavy gale force winds which swept the country in the morning, to arrive at the kennels.

As well as a tour of the facilities, Anne – Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps – was given demonstrations by some of the squadron’s dogs, including Belgian Shepherds and spaniels, on how they sniff out explosives and weapons.

She also met two of the squadron’s puppies – brother and sister German Shepherds Mojo and Minnie, who are 14 weeks old.

RAF corporal Lee Taker, 35, who has trained almost 30 dogs during his military career, told the Leicester Mercury newspaper: ”Getting them at this young age means they are quite fearless, they get used to it and take things in their stride – we end up with super soldiers, if you like.

”You get used to letting them go at the end of their training because you know they are going to other people who are animal lovers.”

Major Steve Leavis, officer commanding the squadron, said: ”The new kennels make a massive difference to the dogs.

”They are comfortable and it is easier for staff to look after them, making sure the dogs are in the best possible condition for their training.”

After her visit to the kennels, the princess opened Paralympic Grove, part of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood which commemorates the achievements of Team GB in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.