A dog that was found living in a small, dark kennel with no access to food or water outside a Bradford house was today completing a remarkable transformation.

Chance, who was taken from his previous owners because of concerns they were beating him, was passing out as a police dog with West Yorkshire Police.

After he was found, the German Shepherd was signed over to the RSPCA to see if the charity could help him. Initially, because of his previous life, Chance – as he was named by staff who cared for him – displayed defensive behavioural issues and staff struggled to find him a new home.

But his handler, PC Mick Kilburn, said: “One of the police dog handlers was visiting the RSPCA kennels in Tingley and they asked about Chance. It was agreed that we would assess him.

“He immediately demonstrated some of the raw ability needed to become a general-purpose police dog and was allocated to me, to replace my current police dog who is due to retire.

“After a ten-week intensive period of training he will be licensed as a police dog.”

“As a police dog handler these dogs become your life – it's not a 9-to-5 job. You take them home with you, care and look after them 24/7, they aren’t just a tool that is used by the police. They become your work partner, friend and protector.”

Chance was one of three trainee police dogs – alongside Uzi and Vince – which were passing out at the ceremony today.

Inspector Lorna Meredith, who is in charge of the dogs section at West Yorkshire Police, said: “Police dogs remain a very valuable part of the policing team, and although the majority of our dogs are provided by our own puppy scheme, which began in 2006, there is always room for the occasional ‘gift dog’ so long as it meets our high standards.

“Chance is an excellent recruit. It’s a very happy ending for us all.”

An RSPCA spokesman said: “Everyone at the local RSPCA branch is thrilled that Chance is getting this second shot at life with the West Yorkshire Police in such a useful role.”