Rescue dog's new life catching criminals 1 November 2013 Last updated at 01:23 A dog rescued by the RSPCA because of fears he was being beaten by his owners has been given a new life helping to catch criminals. The German shepherd was found living outside a Bradford house in a small, dark kennel with no food or water. Because of his mistreatment, the dog, renamed Chance, had behavioural issues and could not be rehomed. A West Yorkshire Police dog handler spotted him at the kennels and he was taken on and trained as a police dog. Chance's handler PC Mick Kilburn said: "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." Friend and protector He added: "As a police dog handler these dogs become your life - it's not a 9-5 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. I couldn't be more proud of how well Chance has done. Mr Kilburn said in his eight years with the dog section, it was the first time a dog had been recruited in such a way. Chance will now start his police role in earnest after a special "passing out" ceremony on Friday. An RSPCA spokesperson 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 and heroic role. There are so many rescue animals just waiting for a new home and Chance is a great ambassador for rescue dogs everywhere.