Charity petitions parliament for police dogs to get pensions

Police dog charity, the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, has launched a petition calling on the government to introduce pensions for police dogs when they retire after years of active service.

The charity says that owners can face hefty vet bills for retired police dogs who often come with health and medical conditions due to their strenuous working lives.  

Launched in August 2020, the Thin Blue Paw Foundation supports supports retired police dogs across the UK, providing grants for life-saving surgeries, vital medication, and regular therapy to ensure these canine heroes live long, happy and healthy retirements. So far, the charity has given out more than £380,000.

Thin Blue Paw Foundation Chairman Kieran Stanbridge said he thinks that the Home Office, who fund the police in England and Wales, has an “ethical and moral obligation” to the dogs and they should, like their owners, receive a pension when they retire from active service.

“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.”

According to the charity, there are around 1,700 serving police dogs operating across the UK’s 45 police forces, and an estimated 100, on average, retire every year. 

The charity is now urging the public to get behind the campaign, which would see the government provide funding to ensure a basic level of support to the retired dogs’ new owners to ensure they are not left with the significant financial pressures themselves. 

To sign the petition visit – Pensions for Police Dogs Petition.

The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, on 17-18 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find the Thin Blue Paw Foundation in Hall 5, part of the Collaboration Zone on stand CZ73.