Police dogs set to get 'pension' in Nottinghamshire

THEY work hard, sniffing out crime with the occasional pat of gratitude. Now there is a call for police dogs to get a pension on retirement.

THEY work hard, sniffing out crime with the occasional pat of gratitude. Now there is a call for police dogs to get a pension on retirement.

The police and crime commissioner in the English county of Nottinghamshire, says police dogs deserve better, and wants to reward them with "pensions".

Paddy Tipping says the idea for a canine pension fund came about because officers were picking up the costs for retired police dogs. Handlers normally take dogs home upon retirement. Tipping, however, says he doesn't "think it's fair that they have to pay all the bills."

The plans announced on Monday will be rolled out next month. Up to 500 pounds ($840) annually will be given to handlers for three years to cover veterinary bills for work-related injuries or illness.