Dog handler Pc Tony Herson retires later this year with Jake and Lennie

Police dogs are being retired on their own “pensions” and “health plans” by the Cambridge Shire Force.

It is believed to be the first force in England to take on the costs of retired police dogs.

Previously an officer would sign a disclaimer taking responsibility for the dog’s actions and medical care – otherwise the animal would be re-homed.

But now Cambridge Shire Police is paying for the food, vet bills and kenneling costs during an animal’s retirement.

‘Marvelous news’

So far eight police dogs in Cambridge Shire have benefited from the canine pension plan.

Sheila Maw, a dog breeder and chairman of the Retired Lancashire Police Dog Benevolent Fund charity, said: “Before we started three years ago we did a survey of all the police forces in the UK and none of the 90% who replied had a retirement scheme for dogs.

“It’s marvelous news that Cambridge Shire police are doing this, as many handlers have to give up their dogs when they retire through ill health or old age as they can’t afford to look after them.”

Mrs Maw said she did not know of any other police force which paid for its police dogs’ retirement in this way.

However she said the Avon & Somerset and Lancashire forces both had charities which supported their dogs in retirement.