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Fundraiser launched for police dog’s spinal surgery
The strenuous nature of police work has left Captain's spine with lasting injuries.

Retired PD Captain needs a major operation.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has launched an emergency fundraising appeal for a retired police dog’s spinal surgery.

Captain, a seven-year-old German shepherd, requires an operation costing between £5,000 and £7,500 to correct damage caused to his spine during his career.

The German shepherd had a three-year career as a general purpose dog with West Midlands Police before he ruptured his cruciate ligament in September 2021. Despite having surgery, the injury meant he was forced to retire from the force in 2022.

Since qualifying in 2018, Captain’s career included a successful partnership with PC Marcus Cottrell which saw him awarded the Police Chief’s Certificate of Achievement.

However, the strenuous nature of the work has left Captain’s spine with lasting injuries which now require major surgery.

Captain’s treatment so far has been funded by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity which protects and rehabilitates serving and retired police dogs in the UK. As retired police dogs do not receive financial support post-retirement, the charity often helps owners with veterinary bills.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has already paid approximately £4,500 for Captain’s treatments and tests.

The JustGiving fundraiser for the surgery has already far exceeded the charity’s £9,000 target, with over £12,500 raised so far.

Kieran Stanbridge said: “Unfortunately, the wear and tear from Captain’s working life has left its mark on his body, and he’s been struggling on his rear legs for some time. Tests have shown that he’s got severe damage to his spine which needs surgery so he can continue to have a quality of life.  

“Captain gave years of his life to working as a police dog and now he deserves to have a long and happy, comfortable retirement, so we want to give him the very best chance at that.”

PC Cottrell, who has kept Captain as a pet after retirement, added: “Without the support of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation I would have had a very difficult decision to make when the heart breaking decision was made, by others, to retire Captain. The support that the Foundation provides to Captain with this has made a huge difference to his life post-retirement.
 
“The latest condition has been very traumatic and the Foundation has been amazing with their support and getting him seen at one of Europe’s leading referral centres.”

Donations can be made here.

Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.