Police dogs die during heat wave

Nottinghamshire Police reported the death of two German shepherd police dogs to the RSPCA on Tuesday after they were discovered at force headquarters.

They are believed to have been found in a dog handlers’ vehicle at the Arnold headquarters at 2.15pm, on what was the hottest day of the heatwave with temperatures rising to 29.3 degrees Celsius.

Nottinghamshire Police voluntarily referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints’ Commission but in statement issued yesterday, the IPCC said it was content, after consideration, to allow the force to investigate the matter itself.

Nottinghamshire Police said the welfare of all animals owned by the force is of paramount importance and it endeavours to take every measure possible to ensure their well-being and safety.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Davies said: "This is a tragic incident and we value the important work our police dogs carry out on a daily basis.

"That is why we swiftly reported this incident to the RSPCA and we will be working with them very closely."

Nottinghamshire Police Authority has asked to be provided with a full report in what its chairman, Mr John Clarke describes as a truly tragic and disturbing incident.