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Fundraising appeal for police dog statue beats target
“I hope Finn’s memorial brings people comfort and pleasure for many generations" – PC Dave Wardell.

Almost £50,000 raised to commemorate Finn.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s fundraising appeal to pay for a statue of retired police dog Finn has beaten its target.

Finn, a German Shepherd who in 2016 was stabbed while protecting his handler during a police chase, passed away in his sleep on 27 July 2023 at the age of 14.

As well his heroic actions in the line of duty, from which he made a full recovery despite the life-threatening nature of his injuries, Finn also became known for his role in the campaign to strengthen the law to give greater protection to service animals.

The campaign resulted in the passing of the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, nicknamed ‘Finn’s Law’, which makes it harder for those who attack or injure service animals to claim self-defence.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was hoping to raise £40,000 to pay for a statue of Finn, but this target has already been beaten, with far more than £49,000 (including Gift Aid) donated so far.

As well as commemorating Finn, the planned memorial will now also include plaques with the names of other UK police dogs. Work is ongoing to design the statue and decide where it will be placed.

PC Dave Wardell, Finn’s handler, said: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Since Finn passed I have been completely lost and struggling to cope. The thought of finding a way to help keep Finn’s legacy and story alive has kept me going.

“I want to give a huge thank you to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for their help in making this dream come true. Finn’s story is incredible. He is one in a billion. His story and his legacy deserve to live on beyond my years.

“I hope Finn’s memorial brings people comfort and pleasure for many generations. Let’s keep his legacy alive."

 

Image (C) The Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.