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Hero police dogs receive animals’ ‘OBE’
PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin with PD Bruno and his handler British Transport Police, Rob Smith.

Met and British Transport Police Dogs recognised for their devotion to duty

Nineteen police dogs who assisted the emergency services during the London terror attacks have been honoured by leading veterinary charity PDSA.

Seven of the dogs were chosen to represent the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police animals who served during the 2017 attacks. They received the PDSA Order of Merit - known as the animals’ OBE - at a special ceremony in London.

The dogs gathered with their handlers at the Honorable Artillery Company, on Thursday (30 May), including Met Police Dogs Kai, Delta and Dave, and BTP dogs Bruno, Marci, Jax and Bobby.

Commenting on the awards, PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin, said: “It is with great pride that we honoured these incredible Police Dogs with PDSA Medals today.
 
“Their awards follow two truly horrific events which tragically claimed thirteen innocent lives and where many more individuals were injured.  Amid the chaos, it fell to the dogs from the Metropolitan and British Transport Police to clear the locations of further danger.
 
“Their actions kept the public safe and allowed the emergency services to carry out their vital work. These are truly deserving recipients of the PDSA Order of Merit. It is an honour to recognise their devotion to duty and service to society.”

The PDSA Order of Merit gives recognition to animals who show outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society, going above and beyond normal companionship. It also represents an exceptional example of the special relationship between animals and humans.

The Met and BTP dogs take the total number of PDSA Order of Merit recipients to 27, including 17 dogs and 10 horses.

BTP inspector Paul Miles said: “I am immensely proud of our dogs and their handlers, and absolutely thrilled to see their bravery and resilience recognised through this very special award. It is impossible to overstate the courage and dedication show by our dog teams, and all of their colleagues who responded to the tragic events of 2017.

“They worked through physically and emotionally challenging conditions without second thought, willingly walking into danger and putting the public’s safety before their own. While today is a day of celebration, the horror of these incidents will never leave us and our thoughts will always remain with those who lost their lives and were injured.”

Image (C) PDSA.
 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.