Fundraiser launched for ‘loyal’ and ‘dedicated’ police dog who died in Leicestershire incident

A fundraiser has been organized after a police dog died in Leicestershire while on duty. PD Zyla was found unresponsive after chasing a man wanted in connection with an attempted murder in the water in Watermead Park, Birstall.

German shepherd Zyla was taken to the vet but died after the incident on Wednesday (July 3). The Thin Blue Paw Foundation – a UK charity for working and retired police dogs – launched the fundraiser after PD Zyla’s owner contacted them to say she would like her legacy to live on by helping to raise funds to support police dogs once they retire.

The charity said “the loss of any dog ​​is heartbreaking, but the loss of a loyal companion and dedicated police dog like this is absolutely tragic.” They added that her supervisor continues to receive ongoing support at a “very distressing time”.

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Co-founder and Trustee of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, Kieran Stanbridge, said: “We were honored when PD Zyla contacted us to request that any donation in Zyla’s memory be given to us so that Zyla’s memory lives on through the work our heroic support. retired UK police dogs. We are providing continued support to Zyla’s caregiver at this very difficult time and would like to thank the hundreds of people who have already donated in her memory.”

The charity said “hundreds of people” had already donated to the appeal, raising £6,500. The charity protects and celebrates working and retired police dogs and their achievements, as well as supporting retired police dogs with veterinary care and rehabilitation.

It said most police dogs receive no ongoing support from the government or the police when they leave the service and are not insured, meaning their expensive ongoing care falls on their handler or adopters. Dave Wardell, also a co-founder of the charity, was previously a police dog handler and owner of RPD Fabulous Finn.

He said: “Police dogs put their lives on the line every day to serve their police forces and their communities and help fight crime. Losing any dog ​​is heartbreaking, but losing a loyal companion and dedicated police dog like this is absolutely tragic. PD Zyla will be remembered for being a hero.”

The suspect was arrested under Finn’s Law – also known as the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019 – which was introduced following a national campaign by Dave and Finn. This came after Finn was stabbed while on duty in 2016. Finn almost lost his life, but Mr Wardell was horrified when his attacker was only charged with criminal damage for the attack, sparking the Finn’s Law campaign.

Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Rob Nixon added that Zyla “will always be remembered for her bravery and service”. The force said the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He has since been released on bail in connection with the incident.

You can donate to the fundraiser in Zyla’s memory by going to JustGiving and typing “In memory of police dog Zyla from Leicestershire Police”.

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