Animal Welfare

In October 1999 Essex Police Authority established the Dog Unit Lay Visiting Scheme, which comprised of a Lay Visiting Panel of members and non-members of the police authority.

With the re-introduction of the Essex Police Mounted Unit, members of the authority agreed that the scheme would be expanded to encompass similar responsibilities towards the horses. The scheme adopted the new title of 'The Animal Welfare Lay Visiting Scheme' to reflect these additional responsibilities.

The scheme enables members of the authority and appointed members of the local community to observe and report upon the conditions under which police dogs and horses are trained, transported, deployed and cared for.

The primary function of the scheme is to protect both the dogs and horses. In so doing it provides Essex Police with an independent monitoring body that will advise and make recommendations about the care of animals. The panel will also provide reassurance to the community.