FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 11431

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 14^th March 2019. Please find below the response to your request:

1)         Please confirm whether the West Mercia Police referred itself to the RSPCA or had any official contact with the RSPCA concerning the death of PD Ivy due to heatstroke on the 6th July 2018.

2)         Please supply me with copies of any official communications or letters between the West Mercia Police and the RSPCA concerning the death of PD Ivy due to heatstroke. The information to include all official communications or letters sent by the West Mercia Police to the RSPCA  and all official communications or letters received from the RSPCA by the West Mercia Police  concerning the death of PD Ivy.

Reply 1:

West Mercia Police did not refer itself to the RSPCA in relation to this matter. The force contacted the RSPCA prior to publication of the report resulting from the independent investigation into the case to ensure it was sighted on the findings.

The tragic death of PD Ivy was subject to a thorough and independent investigation by Staffordshire Police. As a result of that investigation, Staffordshire Police made a number of recommendations regarding the handling and welfare of West Mercia Police dogs. West Mercia Police accepted those recommendations. The report can be found here.

Reply 2:        

There are no written communications or letters between West Mercia Police and RSPCA in regards to this matter