CUMBRIA Constabulary has welcomed the arrival of new police puppies after a police dog gave birth.
The dog, named Teal, went into labour on Monday evening and Cumbria Constabulary has now announced that they have eight puppies – five males and three females.
Teal is said to be doing well and is being an attentive mum.
The news touched the hearts of many on Twitter, with one user saying: “Absolutely awesome news, congratulations mummy.”
Another said: “I am a huge proud supporter of our wonderful Cumbria police, a very kind, compassionate police force.
“They have helped and responded in 999 situations for a friend of mine.
“I cannot praise them up enough.”
Being a police dog handler is more than just a job, it's a vocation for life and a partnership between dog and handler lasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If a police officer decides to become a dog handler they've got to complete an assessment process at the Police Dog Training Unit before they are considered suitable for the post.
The duties of a general-purpose dog can be looking for missing persons, searching for weapons and other evidence and looking for individuals who may be evading the police.
Dog handlers can also be required to deal with dangerous dogs which requires the use of some specialist equipment including snitchers and electric shields.
Some dogs have different specialist skills including being able to detect drugs, money, firearms, human remains and blood.
All of these specialities require extensive training to ensure the dog is capable of successful detection.
READ MORE: Ex-paratrooper still hopes to become oldest skydiver as he turns 103
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here