The death of police dog Acer whilst training in Essex and the subsequent prosecution of police officers resulted in an understandable loss of public confidence in police dog training methods and generated adverse comment in the media. In response to these issues, the ACPO Police Dog Sub-Committee embarked upon a thorough review of police dog training and developed a six point strategy aimed at restoring public confidence by ensuring that police dog training methods are humane, ethical and transparent.

It is essential that the welfare of animals engaged in police work is maintained and any mistreatment is identified and dealt with promptly. To this end,an Animal Welfare Scheme was introduced with effect from 1st February 2004. In Cambridgeshire this was because it was deemed to be good practice and not as a result of any problems being experienced.

Having regard to their experience in this field, professionals from the RSPCA and Wood Green Animal Shelter visit the premises of the Police Dog Section, together with associated training centres, unannounced to check on the welfare of animals engaged in police work.

At the conclusion of each visit, the visitors are required to complete a visit report form. Any matters of concern are brought to the immediate attention of the Dog Section Sergeant in order to seek early resolution. In addition issues arising at the visits are submitted to the Police Authority.

A protocol has been developed to assist all parties in the operation of the scheme.