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New charity launched to support police dogs in their retirement
Ambassador Finn was stabbed in the line of duty in 2016. This incident led to the establishment of Finn's Law.

Foundation offers financial help for dogs and owners

A new national charity has been established to support serving and retired police dogs, with hero police dog Finn, who also inspired Finn’s Law, being named as the charities’ official ambassador.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation aims to provide assistance for dogs like Finn that have provided such a vital service. Currently police dogs receive no financial support and due to their working life, many are unable to receive pet insurance. As a result, the cost of their care and veterinary bills often falls to owners and ex-handlers.

One of the dogs that the charity will be providing support for is German shepherd Elsa, a retired Surrey police dog who was adopted in August 2019 by Steve Ellis and his wife. Less than a month later, a lump was discovered on Elsa’s mammary gland and she was taken to the local veterinary practice for treatment.

Though the lump was fortunately benign, and Elsa has fully recovered, the costs of all her treatment had to be paid by her adopted owners, with no financial or emotional support.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation will be backing Mr and Mrs Ellis moving forward, so that they can enjoy their life with Elsa without worry around paying any future veterinary bills alone.

Mr Ellis said: “I’m so grateful that the Thin Blue Paw Foundation now exists, without a charity like this our retried police dogs wouldn’t have the support they so very much deserve. It’s thanks to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation that we can spend quality time with Elsa, knowing that if we need support, they will be able there to help us.”

Finn’s owner PC Dave Wardell said: “I’m extremely proud to have founded this charity with our board of trustees. As a serving police dog handler, I know first-hand the amazing work these incredible canines do on a daily basis, from finding suicidal people to catching armed robbers it’s only right that when they retire, they’re treated like the heroes that they are.”

Images (c) The Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

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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.