KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Three police dogs attached with the Haines City Police Department in Florida, the United States have been given body armour to better protect them when on duty.

The dogs Matrix, Cash and Machado were given bullet and stab protective vests, courtesy of non-governmental organisation Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

In a statement shared via their Facebook page, the department said the dogs needed to be protected as much as the policemen as they are truly their partners.

Cash's handler Joseph Elam said the Belgian Shepherd was once struck by a vehicle while trying to locate a fleeing suspect.

"Cash is my best friend,” he said, adding that he spends more time with the canine than any member of his family.

Fellow policeman Ryon Green, who handles Machado, appreciates the vest donations because he wants Machado to return home safely.

"Every time I deploy K9 Machado, I am always concerned for his safety,” he said, adding that he and Machado, a Belgian Malinois, loved coming to work.

According to the department, there are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement canines throughout the US.

Each vest has a value of between US$1,744 (RM7,677) and US$2,283 (RM10,050) and weighs an average of two kilogrammes.