Police horses get a clean bill of hooves

NEIGH problem . . . back, from left, volunteer Max Pemberton, GMP staff member Mima Manning, GMP Insp Jon Hornby, and volunteers George Newell, Charlene Pullen, Paul Kershaw, Ian Bromley and Stan Sandland. Front, from left, RSPCA Chief Insp Cathy Hyde and GMPA staff members Lisa Hindle, Amy Shepherd, Alison Howard and Caroline Phillips

POLICE horses and dogs are getting the best of care thanks to a welfare scheme.

Greater Manchester Police Authority’s animal welfare visiting scheme, which was set up earlier this month, monitors the health of force animals when they are working, training and resting.

Ian Bromley, Oldham’s GMPA volunteer, said: “GMP’s horses and dogs are extremely well cared for and it is important that people realise this scheme isn’t a result of any issues or concerns in that respect. It is all about maintaining the extremely high standards of care which are in place and introducing a process which reassures local people that the welfare of GMP’s animals is safeguarded.”

The visitors make unannounced checks at force facilities in Hough End, Chorlton, as well as various training venues and watch animals during special operations.

Animal welfare visitors comment and report on the health of the animals and the conditions in which they are housed, trained and transported.

GMPA chairman Councillor Paul Murphy said: “GMPA has a legal duty to make sure GMP is delivering a good service. I hope this scheme shows we are committed to fulfilling this duty in every aspect of police service delivery.”

Information recorded by visitors is reported to Greater Manchester Police Authority and shared with senior police officers at GMP’s mounted and dog units.