OPCC ANNUAL REPORT
Dog show winner Bude crowns ‘A Compassionate Approach’ launch
animals as property capable of being ‘damaged and destroyed. “The majority of owners regard them as more than that and ‘A Compassionate Approach’ has been one of the underlying themes of my police and crime plan since day one. It is an obligation to show compassion to all animals and for the police to investigate the theft of domestic animals thoroughly”. Chief Inspector Rich Pegler said, “There is lots of evidence to show that people who are cruel to animals have a similar disregard for human life as well. “The police and crime plan message is simple. Life is precious whether on two legs or four and we are committed to protecting
They say you should never compete for attention with animals and kids. So the Police and Crime Commissioner was taking a risk when he chose a puppy to help him make an important announcement. Not only was PCC Martin Surl at the Cheltenham Animal Shelter Open Day to launch the ‘Compassionate Approach’ element of his Police and Crime Plan – the general strategy for policing Gloucestershire - he also had the challenging responsibility of picking out the best puppy. That honour fell to Bude, a 16 week old ‘Jack Spaniel’ - a cross between a Jack Russell and Cocker Spaniel and named after his birth place in Cornwall - who was judged the best puppy under eight months. A dog owner himself, Martin believes animals should be afforded consideration and respect at all times. It’s why it’s in his police and crime plan. He said, “Where the law is concerned, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering while the Criminal Damage Act 1971 classes
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80 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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