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Search and rescue dog honoured for outstanding devotion
The medal was presented to Charlie’s colleague - Hampshire search and rescue dog Zak - at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset.

Border collie Charlie receives PDSA Order of Merit

A Dorset search and rescue dog, who amassed thousands of search hours during his 10-year career, has been presented with the PDSA Order of Merit, also known as the ‘animal’s OBE’.

Border collie Charlie, together with his volunteer handler Matt Cooke, posthumously received the honour for outstanding devotion to duty and service to society.

Charlied retired in 2015, enjoying a full and happy retirement until he passed away in December 2017. Among his most notable work includes locating a murder victim buried in a large field, which led to a conviction. 

Charlie also located an elderly lady who had been missing for 14 hours in freezing temperatures. Police and ambulance crews reported that had Charlie not found her when he did, she wouldn't have survived.

The medal was presented to Charlie’s colleague - Hampshire search and rescue dog Zak - at Highcliffe Castle, Dorset, on Tuesday (15 October). Charlie is the 32nd recipient of the award since its institution in 2014.

PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “We are pleased to announce Charlie as the latest recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit. Although we’re saddened that he was unable to receive his honour during his lifetime, we hope that Matt and his colleagues at Dorset Search Dogs see it as a fitting tribute to his incredible career.
 
“Our Animal Awards programme seeks to raise the status of animals in society. Charlie’s long and dedicated career epitomises the reason we must continue our Founder’s tradition of honouring the contribution animals make to our lives.
 
“The PDSA Order of Merit was introduced to recognise animals for their exceptional devotion to duty and service to society. Charlie was a truly exceptional animal and an incredibly worthy recipient of this medal.”

Image (C) PDSA.

 

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BSAVA's new president starts role

News Story 1
 Julian Hoad has been confirmed as the new president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), taking over from Carl Gorman.

The veterinary surgeon is the BSAVA's 67th president, and has described stepping into the role as the pinnacle of his veterinary career.

Speaking at the BSAVA's AGM, Dr Hoad said: "I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession." 

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Rise in temperature means increased bluetongue risk

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that the recent rise in temperature means there is now an increased risk of bluetongue in England.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of the disease since March, the most recent risk assessment found that there is a very high probability of the virus being brought over by windborne midges from northern Europe.

Farms along the east and south coast of England, from Norfolk to East Sussex, are at the highest risk. Farmers are being asked to monitor their animals regularly for signs of the virus.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: "We know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing and so I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."