GWENT POLICE AUTHORITY - ANIMAL WELFARE SCHEME

The death of a police dog in Essex and the subsequent prosecution of police officers resulted in an understandable loss of public confidence in police dog training methods, generated adverse comment in the media and caused animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and the NCDL to stop donating dogs to the police service.

In response to these issues the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) General Policing Committee introduced an Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme whereby members of the local community and relevant organisations visit, observe and report upon the conditions under which police dogs are housed, trained and transported.

The Gwent Police Authority Animal Welfare Visiting Scheme has been established in consultation with the Chief Constable of Gwent and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA).

The administration of the scheme rests with the Police Authority who, in consultation with the Chief Constable, have the final responsibility in all matters relating to the scheme.

download Animal Welfare Scheme (pdf)