New Support Plan To Help Leicestershire’s Retired Police Dogs
Written by HFM News on 20th May 2022
Retired police dogs from the Leicestershire force can look forward to a comfortable old age thanks to a new support plan.
£500 is to go towards the care of every Leicestershire police dog when it comes to the end of its service.
The Police Dog Retirement Scheme (PDRS) has been set up to recognise the vital contribution made by the force’s furry four-legged friends in protecting the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Retired Police Dog Bo and PC Karen Daybell
When most police dogs retire from service they continue to live with their handler, who is responsible for their continued care and the associated costs.
For each dog, £150 will be given by Leicestershire Police Federation and the remainder will be paid out by the force.
This money will be given to whoever takes on a retired dog – police officer, staff, or in some cases a member of the public.
Each dog will also be awarded a certificate of service, which is given to all police personnel on retirement, and a commemorative engraved dog lead.
Temporary Inspector Chris Day, who is part of the force’s Tactical Dogs and Firearms Unit, has been instrumental in helping to set up the scheme.
He said: “Police dogs play such a vital role in the work we do in protecting and serving the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“As a force we wanted to set up a scheme which formally recognises their contribution but also financially supports the family who take care of our retired dogs. Some of our dogs retire with illness or injury and will require regular medication or treatment, others will simply retire as they get older.
“Whichever it is, the money will go some way in helping to pay for the ongoing cost of taking care of them – so they can have the retirement they deserve.”
