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Fundraiser honours police dog who died on duty
PD Zyla's legacy will support the retirement of other police dogs.
PD Zyla died serving Leicestershire Police.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has launched a fundraiser in memory of a German shepherd which died while in service with the police.

Donations will support the UK-based charity for working and retired police dogs, which celebrates the work of service dogs and provides grants to support them when they retire.

PD Zyla was in pursuit of a suspect, wanted in connection with attempted murder, when she became submerged in water. Found unresponsive, she was taken to a veterinary practice where she later died.

The suspect was arrested under the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019, which is also known as Finn’s Law.

Finn’s Law was introduced after a campaign by former police dog handler David Wardell, after his police dog Finn was stabbed during service in 2016.  Mr Wardell was horrified when the attacker was only charged with criminal damage following the attack, despite Finn almost losing his life.

After the law was enacted in 2019, Mr Wardell and Finn joined forces with Kieran Stanbridge to found The Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation supports working and retired police dogs. With many police dogs retiring with medical conditions, the charity provides grants and ongoing support so these dogs can access veterinary treatment, rehabilitation therapies and medication.

PD Zyla’s legacy will ensure that the work of serving police dogs is celebrated, and that they are supported in their retirement. So far over £7,000 has been raised.

Mr Stanbridge said: “We were honoured when PD Zyla’s handler contacted us to request that any donations in memory of Zyla be gifted to us so that Zyla’s memory will live on through our work supporting heroic retired police dogs across the UK.
 
“We’re providing ongoing support to Zyla’s handler at this very upsetting time and would like to say a huge thank you to the hundreds of people who have already donated in her memory. ”

Mr Wardell said: “Police dogs put their lives on the line every day to serve their police force and their communities and help fight crime. PD Zyla will be remembered for being a hero.
 
“Our thoughts are with her handler and everyone who knew her, worked with her and loved her.”

Donations can be made to PD Zyla’s memorial fundraiser here.

Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.