World Trade Center rescue dog cloned

James Symington takes a photo with five puppies that are clones of his German shepherd, Trakr. Symington submitted an essay to a contest sponsored by BioArts International to have his dog cloned for free.  Trakr and Symington were one of the first search and rescue teams to arrive on the scene of the September 11 terrorist attacks. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
 

From a Pit Bull named Booger to glowing Beagles, in today’s world it seems that sensational stories about dog cloning are prime tabloid fodder. The most recent report of a successfully cloned dog is definitely newsworthy, and sensational in its own way. The owner of this dog didn’t have to sell his house to raise the money for the procedure, and the dogs don’t glow green under ultraviolet light. They are clones of a very special rescue dog, Trakr.

Trakr and his owner, James Symington, a retired police officer, are reported to be one of the first rescue teams that arrived at the scene after the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. Trakr and Symington ultimately found the last survivor in the wreckage. Toward the end of his life, the dog developed neurological signs, including no longer being able to use his back legs, which were thought to be the result of exposure to toxic smoke at Ground Zero. Sadly, Trakr passed away at age 16.

As a tribute to his courageous companion, Symington entered an essay into the Best Friends Again program sponsored by BioArts International. The purpose of the program was to choose an exceptional dog to be cloned at no charge to the owner. The company was so moved by Trakr’s heroic efforts, both at and prior to the World Trade Center site, that they chose him as the winning entrant.

BioArts International partnered with the South Korean lab Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, to perform the cloning. The same South Korean team successfully created the world’s first cloned dog, Snuppy, in 2006. Now, they have produced Trakr’s clones: Trustt, Solace, Valor, Prodigy and Deja-Vu. The plan is to train them as rescue dogs.

Dog cloning, and in particular the Best Friends Again program, sprung out of the Missyplicity Project. The goal of this multi-million dollar project was to clone Missy, a beloved family pet. The project began in 1998 and 10 years later Missy clones were finally born. On an interesting local note, UC Davis performed the testing that verified that the puppies were in fact genetically identical to Missy.

Before you run out to have Fluffy cloned though, be aware that if you’re not the fortunate essay contest winner Fluffy’s fluffy little clones will come with a hefty price tag. Encore Pet Science, a pet cloning subsidiary of BioArts International, charges $138,500, plus tax and shipping, to clone a dog. On their website, they claim to hold the “sole, worldwide license for the cloning of dogs, cats and endangered species.” Additionally, several groups, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have raised concerns about dog cloning.

Price tag aside, how do you feel about dog cloning? Would you ever consider cloning your pet? Add a comment to this story to share your opinion on the matter.