§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate the treatment of dogs by the Metropolitan Police; and if he will make a statement. [56369]
§ Kate HoeyI see no need to do so. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the training, care and licensing of dogs in the Metropolitan Police accord strictly with the Association of Chief Police Officers (Police Dog Sub-Committee) training and care manual. The Dog Training Establishment at Keston provides the relevant training for the Metropolitan Police. The Establishment has an open house policy and visitors are welcome, by appointment. In the past few weeks, for example, the Centre has accommodated visitors from the Canine Defence League and the RSPCA, together with over 20 civilian instructors from local dog training clubs. The operational use of police dogs is managed by local inspectors and sergeants.