 The canine armour is believed to be a UK first |
A police force has kitted out its dogs in body armour to protect them during dangerous operations. The canine boots and jackets will provide the animals with a similar level of protection to their handlers while working at football matches and during rioting.
The new Kevlar equipment is designed to prevent injury or death due to kicks, blows and being hit by missiles.
West Yorkshire Police has ordered 60 sets from a firm in Chesterfield and is believed to be the first force in the UK to issue the equipment.
 |  They haven't got shields or helmets so it is up to us to protect them  |
Dog handler Pc Mark Lawman, with Zeus the Alsatian, said: "This body armour protects Zeus' backbone and all his vital organs and is also flame resistant. "I have had several dogs hit at football matches in the past so I am happy that he is protected now."
Sergeant Adrian Wright said: "The dogs won't necessarily see missiles coming and might receive a blow when they least expect it.
"They haven't got shields or helmets so it is up to us to protect them."
Officers and horses in the Chief Reserves - set up following the Bradford riots in 2001 - have also been provided with new protective equipment.
Divisional commander Chief Superintendent Derek Bonnard said: "One of the lessons we learned from the Bradford riots was to improve our kit.
"We have trialled a lot of hi-tech, up-to-date kit which, along with extra training and staff, has increased our ability to respond."
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