The Defence Animal Centre (DAC) is located at Melton Mowbray and has developed into the epicentre for research and development in the use of animals in Defence for an ever increasing variety of tasks. The DAC comprises 4 Squadrons (Headquarters, CanineTraining Squadron, Equine Training Squadron, Veterinary Training Squadron) which collectively provide the functions of Management and Policy, Animal Welfare, Veterinary Medicine, Equine and Canine Procurement and Innovative Training.
These functions are interwoven and mutually support all activities at the DAC. The primary role is to train Military Working Animals (MWA) and personnel using skills and methodology developed over the last century. The DACs mission statement is:
To deliver trained Military Working Animals (MWA) and motivated personnel trained in their use and husbandry, in order to meet the needs of Defence.
The Centre’s annual throughput is approximately 700 students of various specifications and 250 animals, and it runs 33 different courses.
See Related pages for links to other Squadrons