Latest news with #retiredpolicedogs
BBC News
13-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Essex police dog helper among those honoured by King
A woman who helps give retired police dogs a new lease of life has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours."It was a shock, and it's an honour and it's thrilling," said Linda Belgrove, who set up Essex Retired Police Dogs 70-year-old former vice chair of Essex Police Authority, from Alresford near Colchester, has become a MBE for services to far she and her husband have raise £94,000 and helped 48 dogs with veterinary care and welfare. Ms Belgrove said she realised during her previous role in 2008 that there was no plan for police dogs after their homed the dogs would also be solely responsible for vet bills, which would often be more substantial due to the demands of their previous Belgrove said she roped in her "poor husband" and launched the charity in 2012."There's a surety that help is on hand, and that we will support them [the dogs]," she said."What we've realised is the 'charity' way of looking after these dogs is the best way."In having your independence from policing and from government, you have the right to say, 'This dog may be 12 years old but it's got every likelihood of living another couple of years. Whatever treatment that dog may need, we're going to pay it.'"We've never failed a dog."In 2020, she also co-ordinated a national front for such charities in the form of the Association of Retired Police Dog Charities (ARPDC)."We all operate in a different way, we're all independent, but there's a great friendship amongst us," she said. 'Hugely privileged' Elsewhere in Essex, Paul Wilkinson, 59, of Langford near Maldon, was appointed MBE for services to young people, after spending more than 40 years in the youth sector - largely with the he engaged with almost 1,000 children from hard-to-reach backgrounds as part of an "on the water" programme with the Sea ran thousands of free watersport activities, achieving 132 recognised qualifications for participants along the way. Despite his achievements, Mr Wilkinson was shocked at the news from the palace."I was hugely privileged and very surprised, and I have to say I couldn't do what I do - and have the impact I have - without hundreds of volunteers and employees who support everything we do."Mr Wilkinson said many children were too nervous to take part when they first joined, but he relished watching them develop their about his proudest moment, he said he taught a young Muslim girl from Birmingham who had never been on the water."At one stage she was hiding behind the car... because she simply didn't want to come out and get involved."By the end of the activity, she had her buoyancy aid on, she was out in a canoe, really, really loving it and having the time of her life - and she then came back the following day."And that's just one tiny little example of one tiny event." Other people from Essex who have been honoured by the King include:Jeff Pope, of Brentwood, writer, director and producer - MBE for services to dramaPaul Cotgrove, of Benfleet - BEM for services to film and British film heritageDeta Hedman, of Witham - OBE for services to darts and to charityRebekah Iyambo, of Buckhurst Hill, chief executive at Eko Trust - OBE for services to educationAlex Boucher, of Colchester, founder and managing director at Analog - MBE for services to the gaming industry and entrepreneurship Frederick Hudson, of Waltham Abbey - MBE for services to the Arsenal Football Club communityOwase Jeelani, of Loughton, professor of paediatric neurosurgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital - MBE for services to neurosurgery and global child healthReverend Brian Jennings, of Frinton-on-Sea - BEM for services to the community in Walton-on-the-NazeSusan Mapp, of Harlow, special educational needs and disability co-educator at Cooks Spinney Primary Academy - BEM for services to Special Educational Needs Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
05-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Retired police dogs deserve a pension, charity argues
The Government is facing calls to provide pensions for retired police dogs, recognising their service and sacrifice. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has issued the appeal, highlighting the financial strain placed on former handlers and new owners. Since August 2020, the foundation has distributed £380,000 in grants to cover veterinary expenses, addressing health issues often stemming from the dogs' demanding physical work. Foundation chairman Kieran Stanbridge said police dogs give 'the best years of their lives' to the job. 'They throw themselves into dangerous situations without a second thought ... to help fight crime and keep the public safe.' While in service, the dogs receive comprehensive care, but upon retirement, they are left to rely on their handlers or new owners for often costly vet bills, he said. Mr Stanbridge argues that the Home Office, responsible for allocating funds to police forces, has "an ethical and moral obligation to these dogs" and should provide support in their retirement. There are about 1,700 serving police dogs in the UK, according to the foundation, and about 100 retire each year. It has launched a petition to push the Government for a ring-fenced budget to provide support for the owners of retired police dogs. 'Taking on any dog is a responsibility, but taking on an older retired police dog with health problems is a huge commitment, particularly during the current cost of living crisis,' Mr Stanbridge said. 'We need to ensure that there is support in place for these heroic police dogs so that people aren't put off the idea of rehoming them when they retire and so that owners are never faced with the heartbreaking decision of having them put to sleep because they can't afford their treatment.' Conditions such as arthritis can mean bills of up to £2,400 per year for pain medication, the charity said, and because these are pre-existing medical complaints they would not be covered by pet insurance. Police Scotland dog handler Julie Roy was faced with large vet bills caring for retired German shepherd Keach, who worked for West Midlands Police before moving north of the border. Keach has arthritis in her spin and knee, and the Thin Blue Paw Foundation pays for her pain medication. Ms Roy said: 'Vet bills are expensive and our dogs have worked hard in their working life, putting extra strain on the joints and the body. 'These dogs deserve to have ongoing support when they retire, so they can access the medication and treatment they need having served their communities for so long.' Fellow dog handler Claire Bird, from West Sussex, adopted Belgian Malinois Fiji, who worked for Surrey Police. She has required two operations, for an infection of the uterus and a gastric procedure, and needs regular medication for allergies. So far the foundation has paid £10,000 for her care. Ms Bird said: 'I've kept all of my working dogs when they retire and, as any dog owner knows, taking care of them is expensive. 'But I couldn't turn my back on them after everything they've given. 'I believe that there should be more support in place for these incredible heroes when they retire. 'They do so much for us while they're serving and yet when they retire, the Government and the police turn their backs on them.'
