Police horses get a clean bill of hooves

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.

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.