ANIMAL lovers are wanted to help Gwent Police - by ensuring their police dogs are well looked after.

Gwent police and crime commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, wants members of the public to volunteer as animal welfare visitors.

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Their role is to make regular visits to police dogs to ensure that high levels of animal welfare are met.

Candidates will need to:

  • Arrange visits to police dogs, including to Waterton kennels in the South Wales Police area, with fellow animal welfare visitors in line with an agreed programme of visits.
  • Carry out visits to police dogs in line with the scheme guidelines and training.
  • Attend meetings of the Animal Welfare Scheme.
  • Attend training sessions as appropriate.
  • Keep the scheme administrator and fellow animal welfare visitors informed of any problems with scheduled welfare visits.
  • Check on the condition of police dogs in line with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
  • Discuss with the police officers or staff any concerns relating to the police dogs.
  • Complete and return relevant report forms to the scheme administrator, ensuring that all information is recorded correctly and concisely.
  • Complete and submit expenses claims promptly and in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
  • Observe health and safety requirements and to take reasonable care when conducting visits.
  • Carry out all duties in accordance with the Animal Welfare Scheme guidelines.

The animal welfare visitors scheme was set up after the death of a police dog in Essex in 1997.

Mr Cuthbert said: "Our animal welfare visitors play a crucial role in ensuring that Gwent's police dogs are kept to the highest standards, and that their physical and emotional wellbeing is looked after.

"This is a valuable role that allows volunteers to make a contribution to both animal welfare and policing in Gwent, and I would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch and find out more."

To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.gwent.pcc.police.uk/en/about-us/vacancies/