K-9 handlers still working to change state law

Oregon’s K-9 handlers, specifically canine cadaver dog trainers, are working to change the state’s anatomical gift law. They say there are holes that need mending so they can do their work.

Their business involves working with law enforcement, potentially saving lost lives and bringing the deceased home.

“You need to practice weekly,” said Lori Blackburn, a K-9 handler who practices weekly with her dog, Annie.

Dog’s noses are full of potential that she says must be harnessed. They can track a single scent for 130 miles. That scent can be 300 hours old. But the dogs must be taught what smells to search for. Those smells are of humans at different levels of decomposition.

“It can be cringe-worthy for people who haven’t been involved in an open dialogue about it,” Blackburn admitted.

It might make some squeamish, but when disaster strikes, these animals can be the best technology law enforcement has to locate people.

“Tornadoes, earthquakes — they are coming to the Pacific Northwest,” Blackburn said.

To properly train the dogs, Oregon trainers rely on donations, ranging from people who get surgery to those providing bloody nose tissues. They say it’s difficult to find a steady stream of donations, because it’s all based on happenstance.

“We go out of state, where there is full-body trainings with large source material,” Blackburn said.

Oregon handlers leave for states like Texas or Wyoming to train because their local laws are written in a way to include SAR teams associated with local law enforcement, unlike Oregon.

Handlers say they need support from sheriff’s departments, district attorneys and lawmakers to get the ball rolling.