Police dogs in noise experiment

More than 30 dogs took part in the study

Pioneering research has been carried out in Derbyshire - to see if the barking of police dogs could damage the hearing of those working with them.

Derbyshire Police commissioned Derby University to test noise exposure levels experienced by kennel workers and dog handlers.

New legislation being introduced next April will lower the acceptable level of noise to which staff can be exposed.

The study found the noise levels were below the new, more stringent levels.

Sound level meters were placed in the exercise yard and on the clothing of kennel staff to gauge acoustics at Derbyshire Constabulary's Butterley Hall in Ripley.

Two sergeants, two dog trainers and 20 police officers took part in the study, which focused on 34 dogs (mainly German shepherds and springer spaniels).

The findings of the Derbyshire study will be issued to the other police forces across England and Wales.

If other forces find they do infringe the legislation, kennel staff could use ear protection such as that used by nightclubs, which blocks out certain noise frequencies but allows others through.