NEW volunteer roles offer a pawsome opportunity for the public to work with Cleveland Police dogs!
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is now recruiting Independent Animal Welfare Volunteers.
Volunteers will have to observe, comment and report on the conditions, in which police dogs are housed, trained and transported.
Ethical, humane and transparent
They will make sure procedures are ethical, humane and transparent. Procedures also need to be in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The welfare scheme – part of a national initiative – covers everyone, who interacts with the dog. That includes trainers and handlers. It also covers everywhere police dogs go – including dog units, kennels and police vehicles.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “The welfare of all police dogs must be at the forefront of every decision made about their care, training and deployment. That equally applies when they are on – or off – duty.
“This independent scheme aims to build confidence – and understanding – of the way, in which Cleveland Police looks after its dogs. It aims to show that we truly value our canine coppers.”
Five welfare standards
Inspections will be based on the five Welfare Standards in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Volunteers will make sure that dogs have:
- A suitable environment;
- A suitable diet;
- The ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;
- Housing with – or apart from – other animals;
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Independent Animal Welfare Volunteers will carry out visits in pairs. A dog handler or member of staff from the Dog Support Unit will always accompany them on visits.
Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale said: “The welfare of our police dogs is treated with the utmost of importance by all.
“We welcome this external accreditation from the Dogs Trust National Scheme; this will provide an extra layer of scrutiny and reassurance through our external volunteers to ensure that all elements of their wellbeing are suitably taken care of by the Force.
“It will further ensure that our dogs are prepared and fully fit to continue to play a vital role in tackling criminals and protecting our communities.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the Dogs Trust jointly developed the National Animal Welfare Independent Visitor Scheme.
Taking part in the scheme means that Cleveland Police can adopt animals, who may have had a rough start in life, from charity the Dogs Trust.
Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme Coordinator at Dogs Trust, said: “I am delighted that the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland has adopted the Animal Welfare Scheme for Cleveland Police’s dog unit.
“This ensures that there is an open and transparent process to monitor the welfare needs of these amazing, working dogs.
“Dogs Trust is proud to support this scheme and looks forward to working in partnership with the Cleveland force going forward”
For More information on the Animal Welfare Scheme – and other volunteering opportunities – go to:
Involvement of Independent Scrutiny Volunteers – Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner