The Animal Welfare Scheme was started following the death of a police dog, whilst in training, in Essex; and the subsequent prosecution of the officers involved.
The scheme aims to maintain public confidence and ensure that Derbyshire Constabulary’s procedures are ethical, humane and transparent.
Police Dog Visitors are members of the local community who observe, comment and report on the conditions in which the Constabulary’s dogs are housed, trained and transported. Unannounced visits are made to the kennels at Force Headquarters or to the training facilities used.
As with the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, members of the Animal Welfare Scheme are volunteers who do not receive a salary but are reimbursed for any expenses incurred in making a visit. Full training is given.
We are currently open for volunteer applications to the Animal Welfare Scheme.
We work with the five needs guidelines to ensure our working dogs are healthy and happy.
- The need for a suitable environment
- The need for a suitable diet
- The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- The need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
For further volunteer opportunities with Derbyshire Constabulary check their website here.