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Rescued dog begins new life as prison dog
Betty patrols the prison with her handler, maintaining the rules.
Betty’s energy made her well suited to an active career.

A Belgian Malinois rescued by the RSPCA has begun her second life as a prison dog in County Durham.

Eighteen-month-old Betty now works alongside her handler, patrolling the prison and maintaining the rules. She is able to monitor the movements of prisoners and vehicles, as well as respond to serious incidents.

However, when she was first found by the RSPCA, it was a different story.

Betty was underweight and had been living in unsuitable conditions in a garden shed. Officers rescued her and took her to RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre.

When she arrived at the shelter, staff soon discovered that Betty needed more than just a normal home environment.

Luka Atkinson, from the animal centre, said: “She was super intelligent, energetic, agile and fun-loving. She was on the go all the time. We knew she’d absolutely love to have a job to do where she could use her brains.”

An officer from a local prison got in touch with the RSPCA seeking a new partner, as his current prison dog was due to retire.

The team at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre felt that Betty had the right temperament for the job. She had an initial assessment before taking on some training.

After three months of training, Betty was ready to start her new career in May.

Chris, Betty’s handler, said: “Betty has such a high drive and it makes her perfect for the job, where she’s constantly on patrol, watching everything that’s going on.

“She’s brilliant for any dangerous situations we find ourselves in as she’s protective when someone approaches me and will protect me at all costs.”

When Betty finishes her shift, she is able to return home with Chris for a normal home life. She enjoys playing with her ball, going on long walks and cuddles.

Chris added: “She is very loyal and likes to know where I am at all times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Image © RSPCA

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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