CBP Beagle Freddie Returns to Work After Being Kicked by Traveler

Incident at Dulles Airport

• 🐾 Freddie the beagle, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture canine, was violently kicked by a traveler at Virginia's Dulles Airport in June.
• 🎯 Freddie was performing a typical inspection of luggage when a traveler approached and intentionally kicked him in the ribs.
• 🤕 The kick caused bruising on Freddie's ribs and startled him, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

Importance of Agriculture Canine Inspections

• 🍎 CBP employs agriculture canines like Freddie to sniff out smuggled or prohibited items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat in airport luggage.
• ⚠️ These inspections are crucial to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could harm U.S. crops and animals, potentially costing billions of dollars.
• 🐶 Beagles are ideal for this role due to their excellent sense of smell and food motivation, viewing the job as a game of hide-and-seek with treats as rewards.
• 🤝 Their size and breed also make them less threatening to travelers, reducing alarm during inspections.

Freddie's Background and Recovery

• 🌱 Freddie is a rescue beagle, found at approximately 18 months old and has been working for CBP for nearly two years.
• 🥳 He is returning to work, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his job.

Consequences for the Assailant

• ⚖️ The traveler who kicked Freddie was arrested, handed over to homeland security investigations, and ultimately deported after pleading guilty to harming Freddie.
• 🤷 Most travelers are unaware that bringing food items into the country is illegal, but CBP continues to enforce these regulations to protect national interests.