Wiltshire dog unit celebrated as 'huge asset' in keeping county safe
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has hailed the unit for it's successes
Wiltshire's dog unit has been celebrated for its work in assisting the Police Force over the last year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has praised the dog unit for their successes, including implementing and enforcing the ban on XL Bully ownership.
The PCC handed out a special award for the best nose work to PC Sam Dutton and PD Ross.
The duo earned the award for their ability in following a track of half a mile left by a person, recovering items along the way, as well as searching for two people in separate hiding locations.
Mr Wilkinson said the dog unit is a 'huge asset' to Wiltshire Police.
He said: "They are an integral part of our Force, carrying out incredibly important work such as finding missing or wanted people and discovery of items such as drugs, cash or firearms. They play a huge role in Keeping Wiltshire Safe."
The PCC added that is Police and Crime Plan demands that the Force has the right tools, resources and equipment to do the job.
"Part of that is ensuring all the necessary frameworks around animal welfare are in place to support the force and enable them to run the Dogs Unit to the highest standard, which is why my office recently implemented the Animal Welfare Scheme in partnership with the Dogs Trust.
“The welfare and treatment of police dogs is crucial as they provide officers with invaluable operational assistance and should therefore be treated with the utmost care and respect.”