The Governing Council today authorized the signing of a collaboration agreement between the Department of Security and the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council. This initiative aims to adopt dogs from the city's Animal Protection Center for their integration into the Ertzaintza Canine Unit, enhancing the operational capabilities of this specialized police force.

The agreement facilitates the transfer and subsequent adoption of municipally owned dogs that, due to their age or ethological characteristics, are suitable for training and integration into the Ertzaintza Canine Unit. This unit provides crucial support to other Ertzaintza units, various local police forces across Euskadi, and Civil Protection in situations requiring specialized canine assistance.

The Public Health Service of the Department of Sport, Health and Development Cooperation of the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, which manages the Armentia Animal Protection Center, will transfer the animals to the Ertzaintza Canine Unit. A trial period of up to three months will be conducted to assess each dog's suitability for the unit's tasks. If deemed appropriate, the animal will be registered under the name of the Basque Government-Eusko Jaurlaritza.

Should a dog not adapt to the requirements of the Canine Unit, it will be returned to the Armentia Animal Protection Center for adoption by other individuals. For animals that meet the trial period criteria but are not old enough to begin immediate training, both parties—the Public Health Service of the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council and the Ertzaintza Canine Unit—will seek a temporary foster home until the dog reaches the appropriate age to commence its training.

The collaboration agreement, approved today by the Governing Council, will be valid for four years, with the possibility of extension, and does not entail any financial commitment between the participating entities.