ESSEX police have advised they are to cut the number of police dogs on the beat across the county. A spokesperson on the Essex police website said, “The number of dogs will be reduced from an establishment of 52 to 40. The dog section will continue to attend and provide their outstanding services at incidents and assist with searches. The officers transferred from the section will be redeployed to other local operational duties.”

“These plans bring Essex Police’s dog capability in line with our most similar forces in England and Wales while still ensuring we have sufficient dogs and handlers to support other units in detecting and preventing crime in the county. Handlers of the dogs that are being retired will be given the opportunity to keep their dogs as pets, or suitable homes will be found for those who cannot stay with their handlers. No dogs will be put down as a result of these changes.”