Notes of the Animal Welfare Meeting held on - Essex Police

<strong>Meeting</strong>: Performance Committee
Date: 21 November 2011
AGENDA ITEM 19
EPA/219/11
NOTES OF THE ANIMAL WELFARE LAY VISITING PANEL ANNUAL REVIEW
GROUP MEETING HELD ON 2 JUNE 2011
Report by: Acting Chief Executive
Contact: Head <strong>of</strong> Business Management and Governance
1. Purpose <strong>of</strong> report
To inform Members <strong>of</strong> discussions at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Animal</strong> <strong>Welfare</strong> Lay Visiting Panel
Annual Review Group <strong>Meeting</strong> <strong>held</strong> on 2 June 2011.
2. Recommendation
That <strong>the</strong> committee note <strong>the</strong> report.
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ESSEX POLICE AUTHORITY
ANIMAL WELFARE LAY VISITING PANEL
ANNUAL REVIEW GROUP MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 JUNE 2011
AT ESSEX POLICE DOG UNIT HEADQUARTERS, SANDON
<strong>Meeting</strong> commenced at 2pm
Membership/Attendance
*John Sch<strong>of</strong>ield (EPA Lead Member)
*Mrs Margaret Fisher (EPA Member)
Mrs Linda Belgrove (EPA Member)
*Mr Bryan Cooke (Lay Visitor)
*Mrs Jennifer Fell (Lay Visitor)
Mr Richard Speakman (Land Owner/Lay Visitor)
Mrs Clare Seymour (Lay Visitor)
*Chief Inspector Rosie Russen (RSPCA)
*Chief Inspector Dawn Avery (RSPCA)
* Present
Also in Attendance
Essex Police Authority
Mrs Claire Morrison (Committee Administrator)
Mr Graham Furnival (Head <strong>of</strong> Business Management and Governance)
Essex Police
Acting Chief Inspector Louise Beattie
Acting Inspector Dan Elford
1. Welcome by Chairman
Mr Sch<strong>of</strong>ield welcomed visitors to <strong>the</strong> Sandon Dog Unit.
2. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Linda Belgrove, Richard Speakman and Clare
Seymour. The group were informed that Wendy Herd was no longer a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
Authority, so would not be attending <strong>the</strong> meeting. It was suggested <strong>the</strong> new Member
for Thurrock be invited to join <strong>the</strong> Panel. GF said this would be decided at <strong>the</strong> Full
Authority meeting on 6 June 2011.
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3. Introductions
Introductions were carried out.
4. Update Arising From Minutes <strong>of</strong> <strong>Meeting</strong> on 8 November 2010 and Annual
Report Dated 28 February 2011
In response to a question from Mr Sch<strong>of</strong>ield, T/CI Beattie confirmed that <strong>the</strong>re would
be a family day at <strong>the</strong> Mounted Unit on 24 July 2011, which is expected to run from
10am – 4pm (TBC) and an open day at Police HQ, in conjunction with <strong>the</strong> Essex
Police Museum, on 18 September. T/CI Beattie agreed to send all details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
events to CM.
T/CI Beattie confirmed that <strong>the</strong> horses had been hired out to o<strong>the</strong>r forces for various
events, such as football matches.
The group were told that a meeting to discuss <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> a police horse and
dog calendar had not yet taken place. It was agreed that JS and LB would meet to
discuss marketing potential and sponsorship. It was suggested that Marriages or
Royal Canine be approached for sponsorship. CM agreed to contact a friend who
may be willing to take photos for <strong>the</strong> calendar and to explore costings. (It has since
been agreed that <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> calendar will not be pursued).
There was an action in <strong>the</strong> previous minutes, for <strong>the</strong> Panel to monitor all ongoing
actions in relation to Sandon Dog Unit. The Panel asked to be updated on any
outstanding actions in relation to this. T/CI Beattie agreed to provide an update. (A
meeting with Authority Members and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Animal</strong> <strong>Welfare</strong> Lay Visiting Panel to discuss
and demonstrate completed and on-going actions at Sandon Dog Unit with T/CI
Beattie, has since been arranged for 28 th June). A report to <strong>the</strong> EPA Performance
Committee had also addressed actions and improvements at Sandon Dog Unit.
There was also an action in <strong>the</strong> previous minutes for GF to recruit a vet to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Animal</strong>
<strong>Welfare</strong> Panel. GF said that he had attempted to follow this action up; however he
had not been successful. He said that a retired vet, vet or veterinary nurse would be
sufficient to carry out <strong>the</strong> role. The group were told that this person would only be
expected to support <strong>the</strong> authority, by giving a pr<strong>of</strong>essional opinion and would not be
required to carry out veterinary duties. RR (RSPCA) said she would be happy to
assist in finding someone suitable and agreed to contact GF should she find an
interested candidate. JF also agreed to speak to her neighbour, who is a vet, to find
out if he, maybe willing to help. DA (RSPCA) suggested contacting large equine
practices to find out if <strong>the</strong>y have anyone suitable.
T/CI Beattie confirmed that in response to an action from <strong>the</strong> last meeting a tracking
system had been set up to allow Essex Police to contact retired police dog owners
annually to check on <strong>the</strong> welfare and whereabouts <strong>of</strong> retired police dogs. It was also
reported that handlers who take on retired police dogs are now <strong>of</strong>fered <strong>the</strong> opportunity
to buy dog food from Essex Police at a reduced rate, in order to assist with <strong>the</strong> costs
<strong>of</strong> taking on a dog. (Since <strong>the</strong> meeting it has been established that <strong>the</strong>se two
initiatives have not commenced and will be reviewed).
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T/Insp Elford questioned whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> tracking system would be purely for retired
police dogs only or whe<strong>the</strong>r dogs that have failed training or become unsuitable were
also to be included. The Panel agreed that <strong>the</strong> tracking system should apply to those
who have completed a reasonable length <strong>of</strong> service and that o<strong>the</strong>rs would be
contacted on merit. DA (RSPCA) said that if <strong>the</strong>re were any concerns raised by Essex
Police in regards to <strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> a re-homed police dog, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> RSPCA would be
happy to assist.
There was a discussion regarding <strong>the</strong> payment <strong>of</strong> retired police dogs vet bills. GF said
that in <strong>the</strong> notes from <strong>the</strong> animal welfare meeting on 15 November 2007, it was
agreed under <strong>the</strong> previous Chief Constable and EPA Chairman, that where a vet bill
was over £500 in respect <strong>of</strong> a retired police dog, <strong>the</strong> Force would refund <strong>the</strong>
difference between £500 and <strong>the</strong> total bill. T/CI Beattie said she was un-aware <strong>of</strong> this
agreement and asked for a copy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> notes to be forwarded to her, in order to follow
up.
GF reported that <strong>the</strong> Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Animal</strong> <strong>Welfare</strong> Lay Visiting Scheme
were to be updated and would be re-issued after 6 June 2011.
ACTIONS:
T/CI Beattie to send details <strong>of</strong> mounted and dog unit open days to CM
GF to recruit vet to join animal welfare panel
<strong>Notes</strong> <strong>of</strong> animal welfare meeting <strong>held</strong> on 15 November 2007 to be sent to
T/CI Beattie
<strong>Animal</strong> <strong>Welfare</strong> Group Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference to be distributed once updated
5. Matters Arising
There were no fur<strong>the</strong>r matters.
6. General update report from T/CI Louise Beattie
The report from T/CI Beattie had been circulated in advance to Panel Members with
<strong>the</strong> agenda. T/CI Beattie read through <strong>the</strong> report, amplified key points and answered
questions raised by Panel Members.
Dog Section
Injuries on duty to Officers
T/CI Beattie gave an update on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> injuries to Officers. It was reported that
<strong>the</strong>re had been a rise in injuries during training, which has been highlighted at a
health and safety meeting and is being looked into.
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Injuries to Police Dogs
T/Insp Elford gave an update on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> injuries to Police Dogs. He highlighted
<strong>the</strong> accident with Buddy <strong>the</strong> police dog who was run over in March 2011. It was
confirmed that a full investigation had been carried out and <strong>the</strong> area Buddy was
exercised in at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> accident had been risk assessed and is still deemed
suitable for exercising police dogs.
Purchases in <strong>the</strong> last six months
It was reported that police dog Frayer had given birth to 9 puppies <strong>of</strong> which 5 are
suitable police dogs and 4 have been sold. Frayer has now left <strong>the</strong> dog section and
has remained with <strong>the</strong> part time kennel staff; this is because she turned on her pups,
which had to be removed from her after <strong>the</strong>y were a few days old.
Incidents <strong>of</strong> note
It was reported that PC Pickard and PC Ar<strong>the</strong>y represented Essex Police in <strong>the</strong>
national dog trials in March 2011, coming 11 th and 18 th place respectively.
Mounted Unit
Injuries on Duty
T/CI Beattie said that since <strong>the</strong> increase in patrol hours <strong>the</strong>re had also been an
increase in complaints from <strong>the</strong> public regarding Police Horse mess not being cleared
up. T/CI Beattie said it would not be possible for <strong>of</strong>ficers to clean up after <strong>the</strong>ir horses,
as <strong>the</strong> weight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mess would hurt <strong>the</strong> horse’s backs and would make it impossible
for <strong>of</strong>ficers to carryout <strong>the</strong>ir duties properly. She said that <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>the</strong> horses are on
patrol for up to 5 hours without access to <strong>the</strong> horse vehicle, so it would not be
possible to put <strong>the</strong>ir mess inside <strong>the</strong> horse box. The Panel were told that Councils will
<strong>of</strong>ten clear up after <strong>the</strong> horses, if someone is available to do so. T/CI Beattie agreed
to canvas <strong>the</strong> local Councils to find out if <strong>the</strong>y would be willing to assist.
There was an update given in respect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dog that attacked police horses Biscuit
and Bella, in January 2011. It was reported that <strong>the</strong> dog was seized and assessed by
Essex Police and was not deemed to be a pitbull. The owner was taken to court and
convicted <strong>of</strong> having a dog dangerously out <strong>of</strong> control and was ordered to get <strong>the</strong> dog
neutered and to fix her garden fence before <strong>the</strong> dog could be returned to her. The
owner has failed to comply, <strong>the</strong>refore a destruction order has been placed on <strong>the</strong> dog,
as <strong>of</strong> 24 th May 2011 and <strong>the</strong> owner has 21 days from <strong>the</strong>n to appeal. The Panel were
told that both horses had recovered well from <strong>the</strong>ir injuries and both riders were unharmed.
It was reported that in April 2011, PC Pitt had been thrown <strong>of</strong>f her horse, Patrick,
during deployment. It was reported that <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficer was on patrol in Rayleigh with PC
De Ferry, who was riding police horse Carlsberg. Both <strong>of</strong>ficers decided to canter <strong>the</strong>ir
horses. Patrick bucked PC Pitts <strong>of</strong>f and <strong>the</strong> horse bolted. Patrick <strong>the</strong>n came back
towards <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r horse and collided with him. T/CI Beattie said that both riders have
been advised regarding safety and <strong>the</strong> horses have been reassessed. Police horse
Patrick has caused concerns in <strong>the</strong> past regarding his tendency to buck; however he
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has been assessed and is back on duty. It has been agreed that from now on horses
will only canter on <strong>the</strong>ir days <strong>of</strong>f and in a safe environment.
It was reported that a letter <strong>of</strong> thanks had been received from an ACC in Ipswich
regarding <strong>the</strong> mounted unit’s assistance at a recent Norwich v Ipswich football match.
It was also reported that <strong>the</strong> Mounted Unit had been used at Stansted Airport during
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> President Obama and <strong>the</strong> dogs were used to carryout checks on
vehicles before his arrival. The Mounted Unit continue to provide high visibility
mounted patrols in rural and town areas, and support policing operations across <strong>the</strong>
County.
7. Assistance with vet bills
This item was covered earlier in <strong>the</strong> meeting.
8. Visiting Statistics
Visit statistics had been circulated with <strong>the</strong> agenda.
It was noted that no visits had been carried out at Laindon, JS said he would carryout
<strong>the</strong>se visits from now on.
9. Reports and issues from Lay Visitors
It was reported that new dog runs had been constructed at Sandon Dog Unit and are
currently waiting for shelters to be installed. It has been agreed that existing shelters
will be utilised for this purpose. It was also reported that numbers had been painted
on <strong>the</strong> fence outside <strong>the</strong> kennels to assist with evacuation procedures in <strong>the</strong> unlikely
event <strong>of</strong> a fire.
A concern was raised in regard to infection spreading under <strong>the</strong> rubber attached to
<strong>the</strong> new dog beds. The RSPCA said <strong>the</strong>y would check <strong>the</strong>se.
It was reported that during a recent visit to Chigwell Dog Unit, <strong>the</strong>re had been no dogs
present. It was confirmed that dogs are rarely kept at Chigwell and that <strong>the</strong> kennels
are only used to hold dogs while <strong>of</strong>ficers clean <strong>the</strong>ir vehicles. The emphasis is on
dogs being utilised on patrol.
There was a question raised in regards to <strong>the</strong> hiring <strong>of</strong> Kent Police Force’s passive
dogs. T/CI Beattie was asked why Essex does not have <strong>the</strong>ir own. She said that this
was due to <strong>the</strong>re not being sufficient work to justify purchasing this type <strong>of</strong> dog.
T/CI Beattie said that Essex Police are currently looking to install a fire alarm system
at <strong>the</strong> Mounted Unit; however <strong>the</strong>re are concerns that <strong>the</strong> heat coming from <strong>the</strong>
horses may set <strong>the</strong> alarm <strong>of</strong>f. It was confirmed that this is being looked into.
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ACTION: RSPCA to check new dog beds for cleanliness/hygiene
10. Any o<strong>the</strong>r business
There was none.
11. Date/Place <strong>of</strong> next meeting
It was agreed that <strong>the</strong> next meeting would be <strong>held</strong> in December 2011. CM to arrange
time and date.
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