PREVIEW

Police dogs have been protesting outside the UK parliament demanding a pension.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which has supported retired police dogs across the UK since 2020, has launched a petition, urging the UK Home Office to introduce mandatory financial assistance for retired police dogs – a form of pension – to ensure their future wellbeing and relieve new owners of often significant veterinary bills. To support the petition several hero hounds turned up to parliament square and demanded action.

The Foundation has awarded more than £380,000 in grants to support ex-service dogs with life-saving surgery, ongoing therapy and medication, but these animals often suffer with complex medical conditions as a result of their physically demanding careers. Chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: “Police dogs give the best years of their lives to their work. “They face danger without hesitation, demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their handlers, and play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public.”

Charity officials believe the Home Office has a “moral and ethical obligation” to ensure retired police dogs receive support after service and are calling for a national scheme to provide financial assistance for their medical needs.