Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’ Christmas card this year is asking people to support Staffordshire’s Retired Police Dogs.
Police dogs provide an invaluable service working alongside officers to ensure the public are kept safe across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. They may retire at a young age due to illness or injury which may have been sustained as part of their duty.
Police dogs retiring from service do not receive any financial support and adopters are often unable to source insurance for ongoing veterinary bills. The fund aims to assist in the ongoing treatment with the hope of taking away any financial pressures.
Hundreds of Christmas cards will be sent far and wide to support the scheme by the PCC.
Earlier this year, Mr Ellis took part in the ice bucket challenge with half of all donations going to the Retired Police Dog Fund and the other half toward motor neurone disease.
Mr Ellis said: “This Christmas, please spare a thought for Staffordshire’s retired police dogs and their dedication to duty.
“They finish their service with injuries or health conditions that need ongoing support… sometimes expensive.
“The Staffordshire Retired Police Dog Fund raises money to support the appropriate needs of these amazing animals.
“They are so full of life and exuberance but often need that helping hand to make their retirement safe and enjoyable.
“Please consider a one off or regular contribution to show your thanks and gratitude.”
Hayley Birkin, Chairperson for the fund, said: “The Staffordshire Retired Police Dog Fund was established a year ago to raise funds and awareness of the retired Staffordshire police dogs and ensure the dogs enjoy a long and healthy retirement.
“This year we have raised £4,000 and assisted in the veterinary costs of retired dogs. The fund has received £2,500 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner which will be used to offer assistance in the form of a pension to any retired Staffordshire police dog that joins our fund.”
Anyone who wants to help support Staffordshire’s Retired Police Dogs should visit www.staffsretiredpolicedogs.org
