The Commissioner visited the police dogs at their kennels and training centre in Sheffield, on Tuesday, 24 October, where a new litter is currently being cared for.

He spoke to Harry Morton who has looked after the dogs for many years, about the training programmes.

Dr Billings said: “The dogs are invaluable for the force. They can be trained to search for missing people, for sniffing out drugs or cash or explosives, and for pursuing suspects.

“The puppies look cute, but I wouldn’t want to see an adult dog coming towards me if I were carrying a weapon or trying to run away.

The dogs unit trains animals and their handlers from several forces and not just South Yorkshire, and supplies dogs through its breeding programme.

The dogs unit always needs volunteers – for puppy walking or general help around the kennels. If you are interested, let us know.