Force could get UK's first police cat

YEREVAN, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS. The UK's first police cat could be put on the beat in Durhamafter a young girl wrote to the chief constable to suggest cats would be useful in climbing trees to rescue people, “Armenpress” reports citing The Telegraph.

Five-year-oldEliza Adamson-Hopper wrote toChief Constable Mike Bartonasking why the force only used dogs and that it should consider having cats too.

On the back of her suggestion, Mr Barton replied and told her the force is now looking to recruit its first cat, although its duties are as yet undecided.

Her parents were astonished to receive a letter of reply from him containing a drawing of his own cat, Joey.

Mr Barton wrote: "Dear Eliza, thankyou for your letter suggesting the police should use cats as well as police dogs.

"I am going to ask my inspector who is in charge of police dogs to think about your good idea.

"I've always liked cats and I've drawn my cat Joey on the back of the letter (I'm not a very good drawer though).

"Thankyou, Mike Barton, Chief Constable."

He was replying to Eliza's letter which began: "I was talking to my dad about police dogs and I asked if you had police cats as well - he said he didn't think there were any police cats but I said I thought they would be good."

Inspector Richie Allen, of the Dog Support Unit, has confirmed the force is considering incorporating cats into their fight against crime - although their role is yet undecided.

Insp Allensaid: “I can confirm that the force is looking into recruiting what we believe would be the first UK police cat.

"Their duties and responsibilities have not yet been agreed but if nothing else they will become the force mascot,” he said.