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Retired service animals charity reaches grant milestone
RPD Jango is one of the dogs supported by the charity.
The NFRSA has helped owners access veterinary care.

A charity which provides financial assistance for retired service animals in need of veterinary care is celebrating reaching a major milestone.

The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), which was launched in 2022, has now provided more than £100,000 in grants in just two years.

Because of their age and the work they have done, it can be harder to access affordable pet insurance for retired service animals. The NFRSA has provided support to dogs and horses which have worked in sectors including the police, fire and rescue, the prison service, Border Force, the National Crime Agency, and the NHS.

The grants have helped owners afford a wide range of veterinary treatments, from regular medications to major operations.

The charity has worked to ensure that the retired animals have received the care they need right up until the end of their lives. In one case, the charity provided a grant of just over £1,500 to cover the cost of RPD Jango,  a German shepherd who had retired from Police Scotland, being put to sleep after he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

The Countess Bathurst, founder and chair of the NFRSA, said: “Reaching the £100,000 milestone is a truly humbling moment for all of us at the NFRSA.

“These grants represent our unwavering commitment to supporting the retired service animals who have given so much to us all. Their bravery and dedication deserve nothing less, and we are honoured to play a part in ensuring their wellbeing in retirement.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, donors, and the incredible work of our volunteers. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of these remarkable animals and their devoted owners.”

Image © NFRSA

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Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

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From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

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More information is available on the DAERA website.