Dogs 'an effective deterrent' against pirates

Somali pirates have not been deterred by futuristic weapons such as sonic cannons and electric shields. So one Dubai company is trying a more conventional form of defence guard dogs. Sharaf Shipping has contracted for a team of dogs to be aboard a ship this month. "We support the dogs solution because it is a non-lethal alternative to carrying armed guards," said Capt Sirpreet Kahla, the operations manager for Sharaf. "No one will board a vessel guarded by trained dogs. If a crew carries guns, it could lead to a return of fire and no merchant vessel wants this. The safety of the crew is paramount."

Dogs were "effective as a deterrent", said Grant Goldwin, the president of SEAL Security. "Fear will spread throughout the community and young men will not volunteer to join." tbrooks@thenational.ae