Validation of technical survey dogs in Cambodian mine fields

Abstract

Finding and destroying landmines is a costly and time-consuming process; however, strategically employing a variety of complementary assets, such as brush cutting machines, metal detectors, and scent detection animals, improves process efficiency. Although animal detection systems have traditionally been reserved for the final clearance stage, we tested the efficacy of training mine detection dogs for an earlier stage. Four dogs were trained to search larger areas without prior vegetation cutting and to wear a harness enabling real-time position tracking and geographical mapping. If the dog detected a mine or other explosive remnant of war (ERW), it was trained to sit and stay visually focused on this odour source while its handler logged the location. The dog teams surveyed 14 minefields in Cambodia (globally one of the most mine-affected countries) totalling over 1,400,000 m2 and indicated 290 locations revealing 213 landmines, mine fragments or ERW, resulting in a positive predictive value (PPV) of 73.4%. Once complete, an external team of manual deminers conducted full scale clearance of the entire area, revealing that the dogs had not missed any items. Thus, our training and deployment procedures prepared the dogs to work with 100% sensitivity. Subtle differences between individual dog PPVs and average distance between their indication and an explosive item highlight the need for skilled handlers and careful management to ensure unique dog characteristics are closely monitored and considered when strategically deploying them. Collectively, this study demonstrates that a scientific approach to animal behaviour, particularly scent detection animals, can have meaningful impact on mine action operations, including guiding innovation and improving efficiency.