Police Dog Welfare Visitor

The RSPCA believes that anyone responsible for looking after animals should try to give them the five freedoms. The five freedoms are considered aspirational, as they cannot always be achieved and maintained at all times. For example, an animal may need to feel hungry before it will eat. However, animal keepers should always aim to provide the five freedoms to their animals as far as possible.

The five freedoms are:

• Freedom from hunger and thirst – animals should have access to fresh water all the time and the right type of food to keep them fit.
• Freedom from discomfort – animals should have the right type of home, including shelter and somewhere comfortable to rest.
• Freedom from pain, injury or disease – animals should always be fit and well and should be treated by a vet if they are sick or injured.
• Freedom to express normal behaviour – animals should have enough space, proper facilities and the company of other animals of their own kind.
• Freedom from fear or distress – by making sure the animal’s conditions and treatment avoid mental suffering.

Why was the police dog welfare visitor scheme created?

More than 21 years ago, the death of police dog ‘Acer’ whilst training in Essex, as well as the subsequent prosecution of police officers involved, resulted in an understandable loss of public confidence in relation to police dog training methods.

The Police Dog Welfare Scheme aims to maintain standards and ensure that Cheshire Constabulary’s training procedures are ethical, humane, transparent and accountable. Police Dog Welfare Visitors observe, comment and report on the conditions in which the Constabulary’s dogs are housed, trained and transported.

We currently have a number of experienced and dedicated volunteers who work hard to ensure standards are high and that members of the public are well-serviced.

Annual report

Read the latest annual report from the Police dog welfare visitors.

Volunteer spotlight

Hear why our volunteers choose to fulfil this role.

I wanted to volunteer with the police dogs because I have a deep respect for their training and work ethic and the important role they play in the police force. I have always had a passion for dogs and find it rewarding to be involved in their care and training.

Volunteering gives me the chance to contribute to the community in a unique way while ensuring the highly skilled dogs can perform their duties.

What I like most about the role is observing the police handlers and their dogs working as a team loving their job. Its also an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the dogs who serve on the front line.

Volunteers help ensure the well-being of the dogs by supporting their physical and emotional needs.

If you have the opportunity why not give it a go.

Don’t expect many puppy cuddles though.
Suzanne – Police dog welfare visitor

It was my love for dogs that led me to apply for this position. As soon as I joined, I knew I had made the right decision. I have been a Police Dog Welfare Visitor for almost four years now and I can’t wait to see what else is in store as a Dog Welfare Visitor.

As a welfare visitor it is my job to observe, comment, and report on the conditions in which the Constabulary’s dogs are housed, trained and transported, this information is then fed to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.

Many people have asked me why I became a volunteer and my answer is simple. It has given me a sense of purpose, improves my well-being, and I meet lots of new friends.

I could go on and on, but one thing is for sure, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Margaret Police dog welfare visitor

Would you like to get involved?