NORTH Yorkshire Police has become the first force in the Yorkshire area to sign a written agreement pledging to treat attacks on guide or other assistance dogs more seriously.

The move has been welcomed by the charity, Guide Dogs.

Its local community engagement officer, Deborah Linford, said: "We are delighted with this agreement, which recognises the devastating impact of an attack on a guide dog for both the dog and the owner.

"We are extremely grateful for North Yorkshire Police’s co-operation and we are hopeful this agreement can be adopted by forces around the country to give greater protection to our life-changing guide dog partnerships “

Chief Superintendent Lisa Winward, head of uniformed operations at North Yorkshire Police, added: “The assistance and support provided by guide or other assistance dogs to individuals is an important part of their quality of life in the community. Therefore, every attack on a guide dog can have a substantial impact upon on the owner.

"Working together with the mobility team we have been able to ensure that the most appropriate and responsive service is offered to individuals in such circumstances to meet their needs."