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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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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.