- Posted in Police Blog
Staff association says police handlers are committed to the well-being of their retired animals.
A senior Fed official has launched a broadside at a newspaper following reports that scores
Rick Nelson – the staff association lead on operational policing – said he was perplexed at claims in the Daily Mail
Mr Nelson, who is an experienced dog handler, said that many of his colleagues took on their animals as pets when they were retired – willingly embracing the responsibilities and high cost of looking after them in their later years.
He added: “There are dogs that have to be put down on the advice of a vet because it would cruel not to do so – but the article in the Daily Mail does not provide any clarity.
“I was annoyed to read the story because police handlers love their animals and are very attached to them – once a dog retires, many continue to look after them in their own homes.â€
The story in the paper said animals had been destroyed, despite reports that there were members of the public across the public who were willing to adopt them.
The news piece said some of the animals were only four months old – and also suggested that some 280 military dogs had been put down.
Mr Nelson, who has 22 years of service, said dog handlers often paid out hundreds of pounds out of their own pocket to pay vet bills for their retired animals.
He added: “In my case, I have had three spaniels that had all retired and I have paid the vet bills for them all. I lost one last year – he was 15 and suffering – and it was devastating.
“In my experience, dogs are well looked after when they retire. If the Daily Mail would like to give me details behind their story, I will carry out further investigations.â€
A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers told PoliceOracle.com that putting down an animal was not a decision taken lightly. “Only dogs with behavioural problems are destroyed,†he said.
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