CUTS could be made to Thames Valley Police’s dog handling unit as the future of the force's animal helpers is thrown into more doubt.

The Oxford Mail understands that about 13 dog handlers and an unspecified number of dogs could be lost if a budget proposal set to go before the Thames Valley Police Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld is approved.

It follows last week’s revelation that the force’s mounted unit could be scrapped in its entirety.

But just over a year ago Chief Constable Francis Habgood said animals played an ‘important role’ and were part of the ‘police family’.

The Dog Support Unit (DSU) is, like the force’s mounted and roads policing unit, shared between Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary.

Responding to the potential cuts, many across the Thames Valley and Hampshire, including the chairmen of both force federations, have taken to social media with the hashtag #Don’tDitchTheDogs.

Craig O’Leary, chairman of the Thames Valley Police Federation, said: “The importance of animals in policing can never be underestimated.

“The mounted section provides excellent support and assistance to frontline officers at football matches, large scale demonstrations and assistance to neighbourhood policing.

"Our police dogs are out there tracking offenders, finding property, cash and drugs on a daily basis, often doing the work of 10 officers and this work can not be underestimated.”

The DSU is based in Netley, Hampshire, and operates every day of the year.

Dogs fulfil a number of roles, one of the most vital being the search support unit, which sits within the DSU.

The canines in this unit provide help in search coordination and body recovery, among other duties.

Just over a year ago Mr Habgood emphasised the important role animals play within the police.

He made the statements after handing commendations to dog handler PC Wayne Mills and his police dog Cody.

The pair were responding to an incident in Bicester when PC Mills was attacked and Cody managed to partially disarm the attacker.

Mr Habgood, speaking at the time, said: “In giving this award, we also mark the important role of the animals who support us as a police force and recognise that they too are part of the police family.”

Police did not respond to a request for comment on the disbandment proposals or provide any further information about the unit.

The proposal, and others, including the mounted section plans, will be discussed at the meeting next Tuesday.