CHARITY
for her surgery and ensured she could stay with her retired handler. Then there’s PD Logan in Bedfordshire
— a loyal former police dog who began suffering from degenerative arthritis soon after retirement. With the Foundation’s support, Logan now receives regular hydrotherapy sessions and pain relief, improving his quality of life immeasurably. These cases highlight both the scale of the need and the transformative impact of targeted
fenced national budget to support retired police dogs, ensuring their care is not an afterthought or a private burden. The charity’s campaign and petition ask the Government and the Home Office to commit to funding a structured package of post-retirement support. “During their careers, police dogs receive
“Police dogs throw
themselves into dangerous situations without a second thought. They
support. But as Stanbridge notes, this cannot be left to charities alone. “We’re proud of the work we do, and we will never stop fighting for these dogs. But we shouldn’t have to do it alone. The state has an ethical and moral duty to care for the animals that have spent their lives serving it.” A call for national change That’s why the Thin Blue Paw
Foundation is now calling for a ring-
serve with distinction, yet the moment they hang up their harness, they’re on their own.”
excellent care from the forces they serve. But the moment they retire, that support vanishes,” said Stanbridge. “We believe the Home Office, which allocates central funding
to police forces, has a responsibility not to turn its back on these animals when they need us most.” The campaign has struck a chord with the public and the policing community alike. Officers past and present — especially dog handlers — have voiced strong support for the campaign, sharing stories of retired police dogs they’ve cared for, often at great personal cost.
HOW YOU CAN HELP The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is asking members of the public, serving officers and Federation members to back their campaign and help ensure no retired police dog is left behind. “These incredible animals have risked their lives to protect ours. They’ve helped bring criminals to justice, locate the vulnerable, and keep our streets safe,” said Stanbridge.
“Now it’s time for the Government to show the same loyalty in return.”
SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN Sign the petition:
www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/ pensions-for-police-dogs
Write to your MP asking them to support police dog pensions
▶▶ Spread the word on social media using #PensionsForPoliceDogs and tagging @ThinBluePaw
55 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
