COPPER ON CAR DOGS DEATH RAP; Handler could get 6 months jail.

Byline: ROD CHAYTOR

A POLICE dog handler whose two German shepherds were left to bake to death in his car is to be prosecuted.

The RSPCA yesterday announced they are to accuse the unnamed officer of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals.

If convicted he could be jailed for up to six months, fined up to pounds 20,000 and be banned from keeping or working with animals, destroying his police career.

Following the RSPCA announcement, Nottinghamshire Police suspended the policeman.

The dogs were found dead in the officer's own vehicle at the force's HQ on June 30.

It was one of the hottest days of the year and experts said in the vehicle it could have quickly risen to more than 47C (116F) and killed the dogs inside 30 minutes. RSPCA chief inspector Simon Parker interviewed the handler and examined the vehicle.

A spokeswoman for the charity insisted at the time the same prosecution guidelines which applied to members of the public would be applied to the officer.

Yesterday the RSPCA said in a statement: "This will be a private prosecution by way of summons. The papers are still being drawn up. Once they have been served and a court date has been set, the defendant will be named and a court date given."

Last week Notts Chief Constable Julia Hodson revealed she had been inundated by emails, phone calls and letters from an angry public. Most called for the officer to face harsh punishment.

Ms Hodson, 51, admitted the force was "very upset" by what had happened.

She added: "The force is like a family and the dogs were part of that.

"We have to ensure this never happens again."

CAPTION(S):

UPSET Notts boss Hodson and a German shepherd