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Fundraising appeal for police dog statue beats target
“I hope Finn’s memorial brings people comfort and pleasure for many generations" – PC Dave Wardell.

Almost £50,000 raised to commemorate Finn.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s fundraising appeal to pay for a statue of retired police dog Finn has beaten its target.

Finn, a German Shepherd who in 2016 was stabbed while protecting his handler during a police chase, passed away in his sleep on 27 July 2023 at the age of 14.

As well his heroic actions in the line of duty, from which he made a full recovery despite the life-threatening nature of his injuries, Finn also became known for his role in the campaign to strengthen the law to give greater protection to service animals.

The campaign resulted in the passing of the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, nicknamed ‘Finn’s Law’, which makes it harder for those who attack or injure service animals to claim self-defence.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was hoping to raise £40,000 to pay for a statue of Finn, but this target has already been beaten, with far more than £49,000 (including Gift Aid) donated so far.

As well as commemorating Finn, the planned memorial will now also include plaques with the names of other UK police dogs. Work is ongoing to design the statue and decide where it will be placed.

PC Dave Wardell, Finn’s handler, said: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Since Finn passed I have been completely lost and struggling to cope. The thought of finding a way to help keep Finn’s legacy and story alive has kept me going.

“I want to give a huge thank you to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for their help in making this dream come true. Finn’s story is incredible. He is one in a billion. His story and his legacy deserve to live on beyond my years.

“I hope Finn’s memorial brings people comfort and pleasure for many generations. Let’s keep his legacy alive."

 

Image (C) The Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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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. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

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.