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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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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.