Charity pushes for 'pensions for police dogs'
Charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation said it has provided grants of £380,000 to owners since it was set up in August 2020
Ministers are being urged to fulfil their "ethical and moral obligation" to provide pensions for police dogs when the animals retire.
Charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation said it has provided grants of £380,000 to owners since it was set up in August 2020 to cover vet bills, because the animals are often left with health issues after working hard physically during their careers.
'Police dogs give the best years of their lives to the job'
Chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: "Police dogs give the best years of their lives to the job.
"They throw themselves into dangerous situations without a second thought, they show unwavering loyalty to their handler and their job, and they give so much to help fight crime and keep the public safe.
"During their careers they receive the very best care and support from the force they serve with but, as soon as they hang up their harness, they're on their own, and the responsibility for their often-expensive care falls to their ex-handler or new owner.
"We believe that the Home Office, who allocate funding to police forces nationally, have an ethical and moral obligation to these dogs and shouldn't turn their backs on them when it's time to pay them back for everything they've done."
There are around 1,700 serving police dogs in the UK, according to the foundation, and around 100 retire each year.
It has launched a petition to push the Government for a ring-fenced budget to provide support for the owners of retired police dogs.
Conditions such as arthritis can mean bills of up to £2,400 per year for pain medication, the charity said, and because these are pre-existing medical complaints they would not be covered by pet insurance.
Police dogs across the West Midlands and South West of England
Retired Police Dog Lilly from Cornwall
RPD Lilly worked for the MoD Police for six years at an atomics weapons establishment and naval base until she retired in 2022 for medical reasons after needing surgery on her cruciate ligament.
Thin Blue Paw covered the £500 bill for treatment in 2023 for treatment, but she was sadly put to sleep the next year after a large lump by her tail was shown to be an aggressive form of cancer.
Handler Laura Booth said: “Lilly was my first police dog, she was feisty with a fantastic personality and a great companion. My four-year-old daughter keeps asking for her Lils back, and I still can’t quite comprehend that she’s gone. We all miss her so much.”
Retired Police Dog Blaze from Devon
RPD Blaze was bred as part of the MoD Police breeding programme and joined handler Steve Wayne, from Devon, when his previous dog, Kite, retired.
Blaze was six years old when he retired, and was already showing signs of hip problems.
Steve said: “Blaze was my constant companion.”
When Steve was diagnosed with cancer, Blaze and his other dogs helped him: “They kept me going during a difficult time. I never missing a walk, even when I felt at my worse. The worth of the love of dogs was never demonstrated more.”
“Blaze was certainly a special dog and is greatly missed. Blaze and I took to each other like ducks to water and he equally took to home life with us immediately.
“He had a fantastic temperament and we took part in many dog displays, visits and demonstrations, including one in front of a 10,000-strong crowd at a rugby match.”
“The Thin Blue Paw has been extremely understanding and generous; it’s excellent that there’s some support for these fantastic dogs when they retire.”
Retired Police Dog Jooba from Dorset
RPD Jooba started her working life with the military, based in Dorset, before moving to South Wales Police and then transferring to South Yorkshire Police.
She retired in 2022, and that year, it has been discovered she'd torn one of her ligaments.
She then needed surgery again in 2024 after needing crucial ligament surgery - but sadly, she then came down with an infection.
We're told she's back on all fours again now.
Michael, her former handler and owner, said: “We couldn’t be more appreciative for the help this has afforded us, especially with the cost of living affecting everyone right now.”
Retired Police Dog Hoby from Gloucestershire
RPD Hoby was bred in Holland for the Ministry of Defence Police and was partnered with Scott Milligan at two-years-old.
He served at two main stations in his career, in Berkshire and Gloucestershire, and was also called upon to assist Thames Valley Police.
Scott’s wife, Hayley, said: “Hoby was excellent at his job. He once tracked a suspect into a half flooded storm drain and swam underwater to fit through a small opening to follow the scent.
“At nine, Hoby was still keen to work and had all of the courage and fight but his body was sadly starting to let him down so he retired.
“It was never in question that we would keep him in his retirement as he is a member of our family. He was an absolute sweetheart from the moment he arrived.”
He later fell ill with chronic vomiting and diarrhoea - and the complications suffered by the dog cost a lot of money - something Thin Blue Paw was able to help with.
Hayley added: “The final bill was substantial and we couldn’t believe it when the Thin Blue Paw agreed to cover the entire cost. We couldn’t be more grateful for their support.
“Retired police dog owners are so lucky to have a charity that recognises how special these dogs are and looks after them in their retirement.”
Retired Police Dog Syd from Warwickshire
RPD Syd was taken in by the Dogs Trust after his owner had to give him up. He joined Warwickshire Police in 2017.
'Siddlers' retired two years ago when his owner, who was struggling with health issues, stepped away from his own operational duties.
Syd now lives with his former handler, Andy McConnell, and his family.
It's not been without its complications, and after a growth was discovered in Syd's mouth, the Foundation was able to pay to remove the benign tumour.
Andy said: “Syd is a very loving dog who loves eating, going for walks, and chasing the squirrels and birds. But his favourite thing in the world is tennis balls.
“He is an absolute pleasure to be around and loves everybody!”
“Thanks to the Thin Blue Paw, Syd was granted funds to cover the cost of his surgery which both he and I are very grateful for.”
Retired Police Dog Donja from Wiltshire
RPD Donja served with the MoD Police for 3 and a half years before being medically retired early for spondylosis.
'Donna' now enjoys retired life in Wiltshire with her former handler and his wife, Heidi Taylor.
The Foundation support the family and Donja as she suffers from allergies and arthritis which needs regular medication.
Heidi said: "We’re very grateful to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for supporting Donja’s regular medication and delivering her favourite food for free! It’s truly a dog’s life for her now!"
You can find out more on the Thin Blue Paw website.