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NFRSA awarded charitable status
The NFRSA provides support to the UK's 2,000 plus ex-service dogs and horses.

Retired service animal foundation shares success.

The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) has been awarded charitable status.

Founded in May of 2022 by Countess Bathurst, NFRSA provides support to ex-service dogs, horses, their handlers and owners, through assisting with the cost of medical and veterinary care.

Pets in retirement from the Police, Fire and Rescue, Prison and Border Force services are financially supported by the NFRSA, without requiring the owner or handler to pay a joining fee or make a financial contribution. 

One dog supported by the NFRSA is Keela, an ex-police dog who retired after more than nine years of service. Keela's police handler and owner Sam realised that she was suffering from a stomach torsion, which is life threatening in German shepherds.

Without thought of the cost, Sam rushed Keela to the vet, where she had overnight emergency surgery. This surgery added up to just over £6,000, which was an enormous cost.

Sam reached out to NFRSA for support, and the charity happily agreed to help her.

Lady Bathurst, NFRSA founder, said: “It was immediately clear when I spoke to Sam that she was not only in deep shock & concerned for her beloved dog, but it was dawning on her the enormity of the financial cost. And while she would have gladly re-mortgaged her house, she decided to reach out to us at the NFRSA. 

“We made a promise on the spot that we would help her. As a charity that has only been formed for three months we knew this would be a challenge, but we were determined to find a way because that is what we do. We help retired service animals in their hour of need.”

Kindly, the veterinary practice agreed to reduce the fee to £4,500 to reflect Keela's service, and an online appeal quickly raised the amount she needed. Sam commented on the support of NFRSA and those who donated: “Even though she is retired, I still see Keela as my partner and protector. 

“I feel blessed to have had her as my police dog and I am so thankful that she pulled through the operation. I am deeply grateful to the NFRSA for their help. It means everything to us both.”

 

Image (C) NFRSA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.