Dyfed Powys Police Authority recently held a training day for its Animal Welfare Lay Visitors at police headquarters, Carmarthen.
The Lay Visiting Scheme was established two years ago following the death of a police dog in training in another force.
This prompted the Association of Chief Police Officers to develop a strategy which recommended that police authorities should establish an independent Lay Visiting Scheme to restore public confidence and ensure that the welfare of police dogs is given high priority attention so that their handling is effective, humane, ethical and transparent.
The scheme involves members of the public and professionals from the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and local authorities who visit dog handlers to inspect their dogs.
There are over 30 police dogs in Dyfed Powys.
During 2003, the dog handlers attended 3,009 incidents, including the search for missing persons, drugs, explosives, firearms and public order and crime operations.
These resulted in 191 missing persons being located and £196,021 worth of drugs off the streets.
The dog section also provide talks to schools and other organisations.
The Lay Visitors reported that the dogs were well cared for by a team of enthusiastic handlers.
Mr. Mick Chidgey, of the Dogs Trust also reported that the Dyfed Powys scheme was being used by other police authorities across the country as a model scheme.