Some 500 police officers will be assigned to look after animal welfare in The Netherlands, local media reported on Wednesday.
The first 125 special animal cops will start work by the end of this year and can be reached by a special alarm number, the Telegraaf daily said.
Animal cops will be ordinary police officers trained to deal with animal welfare issues and will work closely with government inspectors.
The plan has provoked considerable controversy with the opposition saying that police manpower could be better used elsewhere.
MOSCOW, April 27 (RIA Novosti)
