Police dog muzzles

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FOI/24/6878

Version Date: 31/10/2024

Due to concern relating to animal welfare, we're requesting a copy of the operational policy which outlines the policy on using muzzles on police dogs operationally at Devon and Cornwall Police.

The Specialists Operations Department have provided the following information.

Below is the Policy entry relating to Police Dogs and Muzzles

3.8 Muzzling of police dogs (FOIA – Open)

3.8.1      All police dogs are required to be capable of being muzzled, particularly for vet visits, helicopter trips and public order training. Police dogs must therefore be familiar with wearing a muzzle for short periods.

3.8.2      Where police dogs are deployed together at pre-planned events where there is a possibility of public disorder, such as football matches, consideration will be given to muzzling of police dogs in order to expedite the quick and safe deployment of dogs through crowds of people. This will prevent unnecessary dog bites to the public and police officers. Muzzles will then be removed to deal with any incident, as necessary. At such events, the Bronze dog commander will decide whether or not to muzzle the police dogs.

3.8.3     Welfare of the dog must be considered, and no dog will be muzzled for an extended period of time.

3.8.4     On all other occasions, including high visibility patrols, where an innocent person or a police officer may be in danger of being bitten by a police dog, the dog handler will dynamically risk assess the situation and consider the option of muzzling the dog or using a Halti type collar. Equality and diversity considerations are included as part of this dynamic risk assessment.