POLICE dogs in Essex receive better care than in other parts of the country, an investigation revealed.

Working dogs are supported by the relaunched Dog Welfare Lay Visiting Scheme and retired dogs by the Essex Retired Police Dogs’ Fund.

In other parts of the country they are put down.

243 police dogs have been put to sleep in the past six years including 32 because of age.

In Essex only two have been put down, one through illness and another due to a serious injury.

The Dog Welfare Lay Visiting Scheme, relaunched by Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, aims to ensure the 40 working police dogs in the county are kept in comfortable surroundings, have good access to food and drink and are well nourished.

The Essex Retired Police Dogs’ Fund helps pay some of the costs associated with their retirement.