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BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
'My retired hero police dog deserves a pension'
Their lives are put at risk in the line of duty, apprehending suspects, dealing with public disorder and more - but what happens to police dogs when their years of duty come to an end?Each year 50 to 70 dogs retire and are adopted by members of the public or their former handler, but they often come with complicated medical needs, such as chronic health issues and injuries from their the charity Thin Blue Paw, which supports serving and retired police dogs, has called for them to be supported with a pension to help pay for vet costs."It seems a shame that they are just retired and that there's no support given," said Laura Meller, from Loughborough in Leicestershire, who has spent an estimated £12,000 looking after retired service animals. The 33-year-old has adopted three former service animals in total, including her current companion Marco, who served with Durham Constabulary for two years."It is the most rewarding thing having a retired police dog," she said. During his police service, Marco, now aged five, tracked a vulnerable man in a wood during the middle of the night."The man was wearing camouflage clothing and was unconscious when located laying face down under a bush," Ms Meller said."Without Marco, there was no way they would have found him given how dark it was and his camo clothing."But Ms Meller is worried that various factors, including rising vet costs, could put potential adopters off from taking on retired police dogs in the future."With no pension and the cost of living, dogs could struggle to find homes, particularly the older ones," she said."I can see an ethnical thing in that worst case could be euthanasia." Audi is another retired police dog whose playful nature belies his previous life on the and his handler, PC Karl Mander, were called to Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent in 2019 to deal with a man with a bottle in one hand and a knife in the Mander said as Audi helped to restrain him, the man stabbed the dog in the he tried to stab Audi a second time, the officer was able to draw him in and use a Taser to subdue the man."He had a thin knife, and it went down the side of his head and just missed his eye," said PC Mander. "If it had gone straight in the middle, it would have pierced his skull. He was lucky."Dogs don't know any different. He would do anything for me. He'd try and stop a man with a knife, put himself in harm's way." Audi, nine, now lives with Katie Wright and her family in a rural area near Stafford."Since Audi has retired he is very relaxed and chilled," she said."He just spends most of the time chasing the sun round the lounge."He won a local hero bravery award for the incident in which he was stabbed. "I proudly display them because I want everyone to know it." But looking after Audi comes at a cost due to injuries and joint issues resulting from his service."We probably pay at least £200 a month extra than what I would normally pay," Ms Wright the cost, Ms Wright said she is determined to give back to Audi after his service. "He's served the community and he deserves something for his retirement," she added. PC Darren Sewell, from Leicestershire Police, has spent 20 years working with service dogs."They're expected to jump over fencing, hurdles, work with firearms," he said."It has an impact on them over their career."Jenny Preston, who used to be a dog handler with Kent Police, has adopted nine former service said: "When they retire, they [police forces] no longer fund anything that they need."That falls to the person who takes them on."The Thin Blue Paw estimates that adopting a retired police dog costs an average of £3,000 more a year compared with taking on an equivalent dog. "Things like joint support, special diets, hydrotherapy - all things that come with taking on a retired police dog," said Kieran Stanbridge, chairman of the charity. It can also be very difficult to find insurance for the dogs once they have retired - further adding costs. "If we are deploying these dogs in the line of duty, to save us as human beings, we have a responsibility to give back to them and make sure we give them the care they need in their retirement," he added. Nottinghamshire Police announced in 2013 it would start paying pensions to its retiring Home Office told the BBC service animals were managed by individual police forces who rely on charities and volunteers, and there were currently no plans to change the retirement process.
STV News
08-05-2025
- STV News
Review launched after decision to put police dog to sleep despite 'great prognosis'
A review has been launched after a Dundee police dog was put to sleep despite vets giving her a 'great prognosis'. PD Zara was taken to the vet after she was struck by a car on Couper Angus Road in Kirkhill on December 11, 2024. The then two-year-old German Shepherd suffered a number of injuries, including a fractured hip bone. Vets indicated the dog would need to have the joint 'roughly reconstructed' or fully replaced. The operation, which could be carried out in one or two stages, would've cost the force around £12,000. During the days following the crash, Zara had walked outside and her condition was described as 'comfortable' with reflexes present. Thin Blue Paw Police Scotland says they are reviewing their processes following the death. The report also stated on December 13 that her nerve function 'seemed ok' and the prognosis was 'great once recovered'. A decision was later made to put Zara to sleep. The Thin Blue Paw foundation, which is dedicated to police dogs, described the death of the young German Shepherd as a 'tragedy'. The charity criticised the force's decision to euthanise the dog rather than authorise further CT scans. Trustee, Dave Wardel, said: 'Police Dog Zara's independent veterinary report is clear. Her prognosis, as described by specialist veterinarians, was 'great', and following authorisation for further CT scans, Zara could and should have undergone surgery. 'The inspector of the dog unit failed to authorise these scans and instead authorised the euthanasia of Police Dog Zara. PD Zara's death is a tragedy, and we are fully committed to holding Police Scotland to account to ensure this never happens again. 'Police dogs play an invaluable role within policing and should be provided with the highest level of welfare and care in their time of need'. Thin Blue Paw The Thin Blue Paw foundation criticised the decision to put PD Zara to sleep. Police Scotland has confirmed that they are reviewing their processes following the death. They have also welcomed the opportunity to speak to members of the Thin Blue Paw. Chief superintendent Stevie Dolan said: 'Police dogs are a hugely important part of our police family we are totally committed to animal welfare and looking after those in our service. 'We are reviewing our procedures to ensure that any learning from the death of PD Zara is captured and we would welcome the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation to listen to their concerns and discuss our approach to incidents such as this in the future.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
