Animal 'Officers' Work Their Magic
Howard Pym with a party of dignitaries were treated to an amazing display of dog and horse skills on a visit to Lancashire's police headquarters.
The party included Chorley MP :indsay Hoyle, Coun Cath Hoyle, Lord Hoyle and of course, the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia, Howard Pym. who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Pauline Pym.
Animal welfare co-ordinators Brian Twist and Lesley Jones welcomed the group to the Hutton base.
Mr Twist said : " It was a comprehensive tour of the HQ. First of all they visited the mounted branch and were welcomed by Sgt Tony Critchley who explained the training and duties of a mounted officer.
They watched officers and their horses in the training arena, followed by a video showing the teamwork of officers and horses on active duty on the streets.
We saw the methods they use for training such as patrolling crowds at football matches and concerts. It's amazing to see how the mounted branch has advanced since it started."
Intensive
From there, the group was introduced to Sgt Phil Kenyon and Insp Robin Howard who explained the intensive training required before a dog becomes a fully operational working dog.
He said: " The dogs showed everyone how they chase criminals and how they can disarm someone carrying a gun. They also did a practice run finding drugs and explosives."
The animal welfare department has been established by the police authority which has an independent panel who regularly do spot checks on the dogs and horses at various venues throughout the divisions.
Howard Pym Honorary Consul Of Latvia For Manchester
