Lancashire Police asked the public if they were willing to give up their energetic pets for a new career.

But Twitter users responded comically to the social media post, which read: "POLICE DOG RECRUITMENT" and asked the owners of working breeds to get in touch.

It said: "Do you have a working breed dog like a Labrador, Springer or Cocker Spaniel that is under three years old? Are they full of energy & enjoy ball play and searching?"

It also included an email address for those who wanted to rehome their pooch.

The post immediately gained attention from dog owners, the majority of whom shared adorable pictures of their own budding police dogs, which they were reluctant to give up.

Others made alternative suggestions.

User Sam Martin tweeted a picture of her two dogs, captioned as Derek and Rodney, dressed up as Batman and Robin - perhaps in reference to a famous Only Fools and Horses episode - with the message: "Not quite the right breed but I do have my crime fight duo."

While another dog owner, Kyla, commented: "I'd rather give you my husband quite frankly."

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A third, Andy Kealey, added another suggestion, writing: "I've got a cunning guinea pig if that's of any use?"

Other Twitter users suggested contacting animal charities in the UK such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Spaniel Aid, which assists in the provision of rescuing, rehoming and fostering Spaniels.

On 16 February, Spaniel Aid posted about Buddy, who has gone through sniffer dog training with Northumbria Police after first arriving at the centre in April 2022.