Pension plea for retired police dogs

MINISTERS are being urged to fulfil their “ethical and moral obligation” to provide pensions for police dogs when the animals retire.

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Charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation said it has provided grants of £380,000 to owners since it was set up in August 2020 to cover vet bills, because the animals are often left with health issues after working hard physically during their careers.

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, they show unwavering loyalty to their handler and their job, and they give so much to help fight crime and keep the public safe.

“During their careers they receive the very best care and support from the force they serve with but, as soon as they hang up their harness, they're on their own, and the responsibility for their often-expensive care falls to their ex-handler or new owner.