In the framework of the Day of the Animal, we talked to Corporal Daniel Oliva of the Explosives Brigade Department of the Argentine Federal Police, who, together with his dog Iby, goes around the Casa Rosada every day to prevent, search for, locate, neutralise and deactivate explosive devices.

Iby is a Belgian Malinuá or Malinois shepherd dog who has been working at the seat of government for a year as a detector of explosive substances. His work consists of inspecting the perimeter, accesses and rooms in order to provide security for the President, officials and staff of the Casa Rosada. The coverage includes the inspection of vehicles and/or packages entering the Government Palace.

During training he is taught not to scratch or bark at the explosive substance as this could trigger the initiation system causing a negative event, i.e. an explosion. Iby is a friendly and sociable dog who through play and exploration protects the home of all Argentines.

The Brigade is part of the Federal Fire Department of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) and operates in the City of Buenos Aires and throughout the country. Regarding the prevention of explosives, the Department provides a daily service with detector dogs and operators, focusing on the prevention of any incident or possible attack or threat against the House. In its daily staff, it has a guide and a canine -called binomial-, and an auxiliary operator permanently at the access to the Casa Rosada. This is a joint effort with Casa Militar and the PFA custody.