Pension plan for police dogs defended by commissioner
A Police and Crime Commissioner who has announced a £1,500 pension plan for police dogs has defended the scheme, saying it has been developed in recognition of their hard work and to aid their handlers.
Paddy Tipping said proposals to create the fund for Nottinghamshire Police dogs were developed because he was "concerned to learn" officers were having to pick up the dog's costs when they had retired from the force.
Around six police dogs retire every year, he said, and generally the handler who has worked with them takes them home to live out the rest of their lives, footing the cost of food and medical bills in the process.
The plans, which were announced today and will be rolled out next month, have met with criticism from campaigners who say the money, which will total around £39,000 for the force's 26 police dogs, is a rough deal for taxpayers.