Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th September 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Nominations open for Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2024
Retired police dog Stella was announced as the 2023 winner at last year’s Crufts.
The award celebrates unsung canine heroes.

Nominations have officially opened for Crufts’ Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2024.

The award, supported by Kennel Club’s Charitable Trust, highlights the relationships people have with their dogs, and celebrates the important role of dogs throughout our lives and in the face of adversity.

It encourages people to nominate dogs which they think make a difference in the world across a number of categories, including rescue dogs, working dogs and those considered ‘best friends’.

The categories include:
  • Extraordinary life of a working dog – for dogs who have worked in the army, police force, RAF, airport, search and rescue and more.
  • Hero support dog – for support and assistance dogs, including hearing, medical detection, therapy and emotional support dogs.
  • Best friends – for dogs who have helped their owner through the hardest times.
  • Child’s champion – for dogs who have supported and had a positive impact on a child’s life (16 years and under).
  • Rescue dog hero – for rescue dogs who have overcome adversity to improve their owners’ lives.


Retired police dog Stella was announced as the 2023 winner at last year’s Crufts, where broadcaster Kay Burley presented the award live on Channel 4.

Despite starting life as a rescue dog, Stella went on to serve eight and a half years with Gloucestershire Police as a drugs, cash and firearms recovery dog. Alongside her owner and handler PC Claire Todd, Stella found weapons and thousands of pounds worth of drugs and money.

“Stella being awarded The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2023 is just amazing,” said Claire.

“She is so special because she’s a rescue dog and also the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the country to be a police dog."

Nominations for the 2024 awards are open until 18 October 2023, from which five finalists will be chosen to attend the final at Crufts 2024.

The results of a public vote will be announced before the grand finale of Crufts 2024, which will take place 10 March 2024. The winner will receive £5,000 for their chosen charity, with the runner-ups receiving £1,000 donations.

Cathy Guiver, head of events at The Kennel Club said: “The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, with the prestigious final held at Crufts, celebrates these unsung canine heroes – those who have changed their owner’s life, made a difference for a friend or family, or put their paws on the line to protect or improve our lives. We urge anyone who knows of a four-legged hero to put them forward for the title of The Kennel Club’s Hero Dog 2024 and showcase the difference they have made.

“Our finalists will take centre stage at Crufts, an event which is dedicated to celebrating the diverse role that dogs play in society and all the ways that they transform our lives for the better.”

Nominations can be made here.

Image © The Kennel Club/Beat Media

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.