Police dogs in the English county of Nottinghamshire are to be given a £500-a-year pension on retirement. This is to meet veterinary and other expenses. The police dogs become the household pets of their handlers, who have worked with them for years anyway.
Nottinghamshire police commissioner Paddy Tipping says the pension is recognition of the dogs’ hard work all their lives.
This sounds an admirable scheme. It could be taken further. Should these pensioned-off police dogs not be given the opportunity, from time to time, to chase and bite retired burglars? They need their fun and exercise.