Volunteers who help care for Dyfed-Powys Police dogs saw them in action on a special day near force HQ.

The animal welfare lay visitors were invited to the Carmarthenshire Showground, Carmarthen, as officers put their dogs through a series of obedience, agility and criminal work exercises.

The visitors, from Powys, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, then returned to the nearby office of Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon.

He said: "The welfare of police dogs is a high priority; their handling must be effective, humane, ethical and transparent.

"To ensure high standards, my office manages the Animal Welfare Scheme. Each police force dog handler receives a visit from a volunteer at least twice a year.

"It was important that they could see the dogs in action this week; it gave them a deeper understanding of the important role the dogs play in keeping our communities safe."

The six dogs and their six handlers were taking part in an internal force competition.

Sergeant Stephen Glynn, of the Dyfed-Powys Police dog section, said: "The lay visitors are an integral part of the welfare monitoring of our police dogs.

"Their input and feedback is always valued and acted upon. It was good to see so many of the lay visitors at our force trials so that they could see the dogs in action.

"We thank them for their time in maintaining an independent view of our working practices and general care of our dogs."

Those interested in becoming an animal welfare lay visitor should phone 01267 226440 or email [email protected]">[email protected].