Features / #animalcharity
#BristolCharityAdvent day 13: W.A.G.s
W.A.G.s is a non-profit, independent organisation on a mission to ensure a comfortable and long retirement for police dogs across the South West.
By several forces around the area, including Avon & Somerset Constabulary, police dogs are regarded as a key component for implementing the justice system. They spend a busy working life detecting crimes, searching for victims as well as criminals, and dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Retired explosives dog Solo and retired drugs dog Diesel are now living together and enjoying their retirement.
Putting their lives on the line to protect the public, police dogs are a vital part of the police force, with over 2,500 dogs employed across the UK today. W.A.G.s works to ensure that, come retirement – usually around eight years of age – the future of the dog is not determined by the expense of large vet bills.
is needed now More than ever
As dogs grow older, their medical needs increase, and with age and history making it difficult to gain insurance, euthanasia may become the only affordable option. W.A.G.s offers financial assistance to retired police dog owners to make sure this is not the case.
Police dog Jake working hard to fundraise for W.A.G.s
W.A.G.s isn’t the only recognition available to police dogs across the UK. In 2015, police dog Omar received the Police Dog Team Operational Humanitarian Action of the Year Award at Crufts for working with his partner, PC Debbie Shields, to solve a violent domestic incident in 2014.
Police dog Omar receiving his Crufts Award for bravery in 2015
Recognition was awarded to Omar for his relentless search for the suspect in rural Gloucestershire and his subsequent protection of PC Shields until back-up arrived. Now retired, Omar lives happily with PC Shields, spending his days catching some well-deserved rest. This wouldn’t be possible without the support from W.A.G.s.
Police dog Max enjoying retirement in his favourite pair of sunglasses
For more information about the work of W.A.G.s or to donate to the cause, visit www.wagsretiredpolicedogs.co.uk.
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