Staff donate toys to 'outstanding' police dogs

Staff at West Midlands Police force have donated toys as a treat for the dogs working for them.

The array of toys and treats were collected over the last few weeks from officers, volunteers at the dog unit and also staff from Arcus, the facilities management company that looks after the force's building.

The dogs and their handlers were recognised for their work throughout the year and over the festive period.

Insp Rachel Crump, from the dog unit, said they were "very thankful to everyone who donated and thought of our dogs".

"Our police dogs are a credit to West Midlands Police, and they also deserve a treat at Christmas," she said.

"I also want to say a big thank you to our staff and volunteers at the dog unit who help care for our dogs all year round, but especially at Christmas time."

Last weekend, the force said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Stark, an eight-year-old police dog who spent six years with them.

He also won a bravery award after surviving a machete attack and had recently retired along with his handler Paul Hopley.

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