NewsBreak Original

Handlers Jackie Fredieu and Chad Taylor with Kita and GooseEmily Adams. To celebrate National Dog Month and International Dog Day (August 26th), I want to introduce you to the first 2 dogs trained by the USDA to detect the spotted lanternfly - Goose and Kita! This lovable brother and sister duo of black labs have been through an intensive 8 week training program that equips them to detect the scent of the spotted lanternfly and notify their handlers. What a privilege for North Carolina to be the first state to have two dogs with such a unique and valuable skillset! Other states like New York and New Jersey do have dogs with similar training, just not USDA trained at this time.