Sniffer dogs patrol Beijing's subways

Dozens of dogs have appeared on Beijing's subways. But they're not pets they're sniffer dogs.

Labradors and Springer Spaniels will now be a common sight on the capital's underground system. They are good-natured and not aggressive. Their main task is to sniff out explosives and other easy-burning substances.

A passenger said, "The lunar new year festival is coming and some passengers might carry fire crackers. The dogs make me feel safer when I take the subway. They look lovely and don't scare me."

The sniffer dogs were trained for over six months before starting their new job. Training courses include working within a very noisy environment, such as subways. They have also been taught how to handle the station's slippery floor.

A police officer said, "The dogs are totally safe. They will help to guarantee secure journeys on the subway."

Police request that passengers do not feed the sniffer dogs as this could interfere with their tasks.