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Police dog awarded posthumous 'OBE'
PC Crouch and Jake
PC Andy Crouch with Jake.

PDSA Order of Merit awarded  for over £5 million worth of finds

An extraordinary police sniffer dog from Warwickshire has been posthumously presented with the PDSA Order of Merit - the animal equivalent of the OBE.

Springer spaniel Jake was due to receive the award alongside his handler today, but sadly passed away suddenly, aged 13, just weeks ago.

The celebrations to honour Jake were led by Sky News presenter Kay Burley. Jake was given recognition for his outstanding service to Warwickshire Police over career spanning 10 years. During that time, Jake made over 500 operational finds, including shotguns, assault rifles, hand guns, over £650,000 worth of banknotes and over £4.5 million in illegal drugs.

The PDSA order of Merit is awarded to any animal who deserves recognition for exceptional acts of devotion. It also represents outstanding examples of the special relationship that exists between animals and humans.

This is only the second ever presentation of the award: the first  was given to the Metropolitan Police dogs and horses that served during the London riots in 2011. Gwen, who currently serves as a police dog with Warwickshire police, was presented with the award at Goldsmiths Hall, London, on behalf of Jake.

Jake's handler, PC Andy Crouch, said: “Jake worked tirelessly and performed thousands of searches. Even after his retirement, he loved playing and we would often set up ‘finds’ for him to seek out, to keep him stimulated. Jake would have carried on working, given half the chance, but it was important for him to take some time out. He was a joy to work with and I doubt that many handlers will find a dog so willing to work and to please.
 
“My family and I are devastated to lose Jake, especially so close to this award being presented. But I am very proud to be here with Gwen, to accept the award on his behalf. Jake’s award will take pride of place in our home, along with his Police Commendation and his Force tag, which he wore every day for ten years.”
 
Jan McLoughlin, PDSA director general, added: “Jake’s contribution to Warwickshire Police has been truly remarkable. His track-record was astounding and we are delighted to honour his fantastic career in this way.
 
“The PDSA Order of Merit was created to ensure that extraordinary animal contributions can be properly recognised and honoured, however and wherever they occur. Animals play a vital role in society, whether as pets, as assistance animals, or within our police and armed forces. This award recognises their contribution and celebrates that special bond that exists between humans and animals”.

Image (C) PDSA

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.