Bomb-detection dogs are in very high demand

CONNECTICUT (FOX 5 NEWS) - If you've received a package in the mail, took public transportation or went to a major sporting event or concert in the last few years, chances specially trained dogs made sure it was safe for you.

"They can screen moving people, they can screen stationary objects whether that be cargo, whether it be suitcases and luggage or actual people that are moving through a crowd," said Justin Kelley, the VP of Operations for MSA Security.

About 70 pups are on a journey at MSA's Canine Training Facility in Windsor, Connecticut, They're learning to become highly trained bomb-detection dogs, thanks to their strong sense of smell.

"They're able to really get down to a chemical compound of explosives, down to parts per trillion, which is far greater than any machine man can produce," Kelley said.

According to some media reports, these canines are in a short supply because of increased demand for them as we see a rise in terrorism. Though Kelley said that is not the case with MSA's dogs.

"We have an increase in demand, but not a shortage of resources," he said.

A spokesperson from the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement the federal agency hasn't seen a shortage, either.

"While competition for dogs is getting stronger because of increased international and domestic demand, TSA has programs and structures in place to ensure an adequate supply of canines today and in the future," spokesman Mike England said.

The TSA also said it gets its dogs from multiple sources, including breeders in the U.S. and Europe. Each dog can cost around $25,000 but the TSA said its canine program is fully funded and staffed.