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Local fund for retired police dogs joins national charity
Lady Bathurst with the chief constable of West Midlands Police.
The merger will allow continued support for West Midlands police dogs.

The Retired West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund (RWMPD Benevolent Fund) has merged with the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) to help ensure that continued support is offered to retired service dogs in the area.

Founded in 2014, the RWMPD Benevolent Fund has been run by a small group of volunteers, raising money to support the veterinary costs of retired police dogs via a membership subscription scheme as well as through sales and donations.

The owners of dogs and horses which have retired after working for the police, fire and rescue services, the prison service, Border Force, or the National Crime Agency can find it difficult to get insurance for the animal. They currently receive no financial support towards veterinary bills and other costs from the government.

Since it was launched in 2022 by Lady Bathurst, the NFRSA has provided more than £50,000 in financial grants. There are an estimated 3,500 retired service animals in the UK and demand for financial support has risen in recent times owing to the cost-of-living crisis.

Terry Grove, the former treasurer of the RWMPD Benevolent Fund, said: “The establishment and the success of the NFRSA provides an opportunity to transition the Benevolent Fund into the NFRSA which will ensure that retired West Midlands Police Dogs can continue to be afforded the support they have benefited from over the past 10 years.”

In a statement, the NFRSA said: “We are deeply honoured that a local charity such as the RWMPD Benevolent Fund has decided to join our family.

“The trustees, and in particular, Terry Grove, have worked over the last ten years to ensure their retired police dogs are taken care of and we will continue that legacy as a national charity going forward.”

Image © National Foundation for Retired Service Animals

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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.