Police dog handlers block their ears against a dangerous din

For police dog handlers it was a case of their animals' bark being worse than their bite. Fears that the noise created by howling police dogs was breaching health and safety regulations has prompted one force to introduce individually tailored ear plugs for their dog handlers.

The decision by Durham Constabulary is being closely monitored by other forces who are conscious that a dog handler has already successfully sued his chief constable for deafness.

Each of Durham's 31 handlers and two support staff has been given soft silicone rubber plugs to cut out dangerous vibes. Known as "noisebreakers", the pounds 50 devices are made by building moulds to fit the contours of each ear. The plugs allow normal conversation and the use of telephones and radio equipment while filtering out dangerous or distressing noise.

The review was prompted by new health and safety regulations due to be implemented next year. It found that the noise being experienced by dog handlers at times exceeded the maximum limit of 85 decibels. It also found that noise levels in dog vans exceeded daily limits in just 12.5 minutes.

"Unfortunately, it's part of the dogs' role that they have to be vociferous," said acting Inspector Colin Nixon, of the force's dog section.

Officers are being checked to discover whether they have suffered permanent hearing damage and seven handlers are taking further tests.

Bill Knowles, health and safety officer for the force, said: "Durham, like other forces, reviewed its position following a case in which a Bedfordshire dog handler successfully sued his chief constable for deafness which was the result of dogs barking during transit."

Five firearms instructors and three printing staff are to be issued with the plugs. A further ten members of the motorcycle section are to get a different version to go under their helmets.