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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.