A REVIEW of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s dog section is being undertaken by Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl.

The dog section is one of areas in which Gloucestershire’s force works most closely with neighbouring forces.

While other police forces have opted to merge to offset budget cuts, Gloucestershire has opted to share resources through strategic alliances in specific areas.

As part of an agreement between Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset the three forces share dogs, serious organised crime, firearms and the policing of roads.

Mr Surl has called for a review to make sure the agreement works for all parties and is fair on the animals too.

He said: "It's a positive review to see how well it's gone and to see if it's financially viable, which I think it is.

“A lot of these dogs are specialist and sometimes it's better to share training, share the specialist dogs and sometimes you'll need more than one.

"The Gloucestershire dogs are based here in Gloucestershire where they spend most of their time. Certainly, the welfare of the dogs is paramount and we'll be looking at that to see how well they travel.

“Talking to the handlers it seems okay but I want to be sure".