Starting next month, retired police dogs will receive pension plans for the first time ever in the United Kingdom.

Nottinghamshire Police has decided that dogs that assist police officers, performing duties like sniffing out drugs, crowd control, arrest assistance and searching properties, will receive up to £1,500 each upon retirement. The money will be used for various treatments ex-police dogs need such as worming, vaccinations, kennel fees and veterinarian bills. The police department will pay up to £500 per year for three years for each retired canine.

Nottinghamshire Police has 26 dogs, which means their pension plan will cost about £39,000, causing some taxpayers to question the plan.

"I guess the criticism is, 'Well hang on a minute, we should spend the money elsewhere,'" Paddy Tipping, Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire Police, said. "Well, you've got to make judgments about priorities."

According to Tipping, the police dogs have earned their right to be taken care of once they leave the force.

"We look after the people who work for us, who have been police officers and staff; they get a decent retirement, and I think it's important the same is done for the dogs," he said. "These animals work hard for the police, and they are officers in their own right."

Handler PC Matt Rogers agrees. He says that his dog Rossi saved his life last year and has helped him arrest "many hundreds."

"I'm really pleased, and I think it's only right," he said. "As an organization that works with animals we need to set an example."

Today, retired police dogs receive no money. They are either rehomed or become their handler's pet.

"Let's be clear about it: if the officers didn't look after the dogs when they retire from the force, they would be put down," Tipping said. "The police officers have become very fond of the dogs. They keep the dogs, and I don't think it's fair that they have to pay all the bills."

Every year, about six police dogs retire.

"Many of the force's dogs are fit and healthy when they retire, but some need medical treatment for injury or illness resulting from being worked hard while tackling crime,'" Tipping said. "These dogs give willing and sterling service over the years in protecting the public so I am delighted to approve a scheme that will ensure continuing medical help once their work is done."