27 February 2008: To Protect and Serve

Police dogs in the city of Dusseldorf are being fitted with rubber shoes to protect their paws while walking the beat.

Police dog handlers say shards of glass and other sharp objects get stuck between the cobbles of Dusseldorf's old town and are dangerous for the canine squad.

Some 20 German shepherd dogs will show off their new footwear at a police fashion show in March.

Whether the female dogs will be issued with matching handbags and hats was not revealed.