A REDDITCH chief constable is considering the ‘unique bond’ between officers and their dogs in the wake of a petition to allow a handler to keep his police dog, Ivy, when he retires.
Police dog handler Sergeant David Evans is due to retire in April after being in the force for 34 years and the petition calling for him to be allowed to keep four-year-old Ivy when he retires has gained more than 16,000 signatures in just three days.
Before joining the police force Ivy had already had two previous homes, but having lived with Sgt Evans and his family in Telford since she was nine months old, the family said they strongly feel that she would thrive if allowed to stay with her handler, with whom she has a special bond.
West Mercia Police has been made aware of a petition and a spokesperson for the force said: “Chief Constable Anthony Bangham has been made aware of this for the first time at home this morning.
“He recognises the unique bond between an officer and his dog and has made a direct offer to speak to the officer personally about this.”
The statement accompanying the petition reads: “Anyone who owns a dog knows the bond that is made and the distress that can e caused by separation.
“Please help us to try and make West Mercia Police do the right thing for our beloved Ivy, help make our Dads retirement the special achievement it should be and finish his career with Ivy by his side.”
Visit https://www.change.org/p/west-mercia-police-help-police-dog-ivy-stay-with-her-beloved-dog-handler to find out more.
