Animal Welfare Visiting Scheme

The Animal Welfare Visiting Scheme provides an independent check on the condition and welfare of Cambridgeshire's police dogs. A donation is made to the Wood Green Animal Shelter in return for their volunteers and RSPCA Inspectors carrying out unannounced visits to check on the welfare of the force's dogs.

The scheme began several years ago, following the death of a police dog at a different force. The lessons learned highlighted the need for a transparent and accountable scheme to provide public confidence in the way police animals are trained and cared for.

Checks are made on the condition of kennels, as well as the treatment of the animals. Reports are submitted to Cambridgeshire Police Authority.