Police change dog handlers' cars following criticism of cages
The Swedish police have modified their dog handler vehicles after discovering that the cages in which dogs were transported were causing stress and hindering their performance.
The Swedish police force purchased new vehicles for dog handlers a few years ago, which included cages in the back where dogs were kept separate from their handlers. This setup quickly led to complaints from dog handlers, who noticed that their dogs were becoming stressed during transports and finding it difficult to perform their jobs effectively. One particular dog, Opus, exhibited signs of distress, such as refusing to jump into the car post-operation. Consequently, the police have responded to this feedback and have made changes to the design of these vehicles. Now, dogs like Opus are provided with a more spacious cage located in the back seat, where they seem to feel more comfortable. Dog handler Erik Lindgren from the Sรถrmland police emphasized the importance of ensuring the dogs' well-being, noting their significant contributions to police operations. Last year, the police authority initiated a procurement process for new dog cars aimed at improving the working environment for both the handlers and their canine partners. The changes not only aim to alleviate worker stress but also enhance overall police effectiveness by ensuring the dogs are in a comfortable and less anxious state during their calls to duty.