My brother has faithfully served as a dog warden for the last 44 years, always patrolling Harlow with his trusted K9 companions by his side. This sense of security and peace, however, is now being threatened. Harlow Council is planning to remove two dogs from the patrol unit, marking an end to a 70-year tradition of using dogs to guard wardens in dangerous situations.

Working dogs have long been an invaluable asset in ensuring the safety of our wardens, particularly when they are called out during the early hours of the morning. Their removal will leave the warden unprotected in precarious situations, jeopardizing their safety.

Not only are human lives at risk, but the fate of these hardworking dogs is bleak. There's a high probability that the removed dogs will have to be put down in the absence of their duties. This is a consequence too dire to ignore.

We urge Harlow Council to reconsider this decision and preserve the long-held tradition of using working dogs in patrol units. Their companionship and service not only protect our wardens, but also testify to the unity and shared responsibility between man and animal. Such bonds, once severed, can never be regained—the repercussions of this decision are therefore serious, far-reaching, and irreversible.

Please sign this petition to urge Harlow Council to retain the use of working dogs in patrol units and protect the safety of our wardens and their furry comrades.