Charity asks government to fund retired police dogs’ costly care

• The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is appealing to the Government to provide pensions for retired police dogs to alleviate the financial burden on handlers and owners.
• Since August 2020, the foundation has distributed £380,000 in grants for veterinary expenses, addressing health issues stemming from the dogs' demanding work.
• Foundation chairman Kieran Stanbridge argues the Home Office has a moral obligation to support these dogs in retirement, given their service and sacrifice.
• The foundation has launched a petition to push the Government for a ring-fenced budget to support owners of retired police dogs.
• There are about 1,700 serving police dogs in the UK and about 100 retire each year.

IN FULL

Retired police dogs deserve a pension, charity argues