Page 22 - WMPF December-January Magazine.url_Neat

Charity plea

Fund supporting

retired police dogs

is hit by pandemic

he Covid-19 pandemic is having an
impact on the finances of the Retired
TWest Midlands Police Dog Benevolent
Fund. Photos courtesy of Terry Grove
Like many voluntary and charitable
organisations across the UK, the fund has
seen its income drop since the start of the
coronavirus crisis because of lost fund-
raising opportunities.
Terry Grove, treasurer of the fund, said:
“Our fund-raising efforts have been
drastically affected this year by the
devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, we’re committed to
supporting retired police dogs that have
served West Midlands Police and our
communities with such distinction.
“Every penny makes a difference in
supporting our fabulous dogs, which is why
the lost fund-raising opportunities because
of the lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions
have hit us.”
West Midlands Police dogs have been
protecting the lives of officers and the public
since Kim and Flash were recruited to the attack on PD Stark who was repeatedly hit in later life.
Force in 1951. with a machete while detaining a suspected Any injuries while on duty are covered by
“Since then, police dogs have played an burglar. West Midlands Police but sometimes the
important and vital role in locating Assuming no serious injury, a police dog’s injuries require ongoing medical attention
criminals, finding evidence and ultimately career lasts an average of seven to 10 years. after they retire and this is where the Retired
protecting and serving their local However, because of the type of work West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund
communities,” Terry said. undertaken and their intensive training they can step in.
The bravery of police dogs is well-known do suffer wear and tear which can ultimately The fund was established in 2014 to
and has been highlighted recently by the translate to knee, leg, back and hip problems support police dogs in their retirement and
“ responsible for the management of the
assist their handlers and adopters.
Run by a committee of members
Every penny makes a difference in
fund, it is independent of West Midlands
supporting our fabulous dogs, which is why
Police.
Around eight dogs retire from West

the lost fund-raising opportunities because of
Midlands Police each year and there are
between 30 and 40 retired dogs at any one
the lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions have time. The fund helps support handlers and
members of the public who take on their
hit us.
Continued on Page 24

22 federation December 2020/January 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids

“