Latest news with #policedogs
CTV News
08-07-2025
- CTV News
Italy outraged at killing of heroic police bloodhound, found dead after eating food laced with nails
ROME — The horrific killing of a police bloodhound, who helped find nine people over the course of his sniffer-dog rescue career, has outraged Italians and sparked a criminal investigation to find his killers. Bruno, a 7-year-old, 88-kilogram (195-pound) bloodhound, was found dead Friday morning in his shed in southern Taranto. His trainer, Arcangelo Caressa, said he had been fed bits of dog food laced with nails. In an interview Tuesday, Caressa said he suspected the killing was revenge against him — not Bruno — for his volunteer animal rescue work. 'It was deliberately a horrific act to cause the dog intense suffering, because feeding him bites filled with nails means tearing apart his insides, tearing apart his esophagus and internal organs and causing excruciating pain,' Caressa told The Associated Press. Premier Giorgia Meloni, who was photographed with Bruno after one of his heroic rescues, said that his slaughter was 'vile, cowardly, unacceptable.' Lawmaker Michael Vittoria Brambilla, a longtime animal rights activist, filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors under a new law that she helped push through stiffening penalties for anyone who kills or mistreats an animal. The editor of the Il Giornale daily, Vittorio Feltri, voiced outrage, saying Bruno had done more civic good in Italy than most Italian citizens. Caressa said that he had told prosecutors that he suspected that he was the ultimate target of Bruno's killers, and that Bruno was killed 'to get to me.' Caressa runs a volunteer public animal rescue organization, ENDAS, that among other things rescues dogs from illegal dogfights. He said the service used to be run by for-profit firms and said he suspected that his competitors were behind Bruno's killing. 'In recent months, we have received threats, acts of persecution, defamation and slander from certain individuals who have already been investigated in the past and are known to the judicial authorities, who have been trying in every way to take over this rescue service by despicable means,' Caressa told The Associated Press. The new animal protection law, known as the Brambilla law, went into effect on July 1 and calls for up to four years in prison and a 60,000-euro (around a US$70,000) fine, with the stiffest penalties applied if the mistreatment is committed in front of children or is filmed and disseminated online. Feltri said that the penalty should be even greater than four years, saying animals must be respected 'especially when they behave heroically' as Bruno had. Caressa said that Bruno might have appeared clumsy and overweight, but was powerful, strong and dedicated to his job. 'He was a giant,' said Caressa. 'When he went out on a search and you put his harness on, there was no one else like him. He would set off, smell the person we were looking for and run like a train until we found them.' Officially, his record stands at nine people found: Five people who were alive and four whose bodies were recovered, he said. 'But the motto for us rescuers is always the same: Bring the missing person home in any case, because there is always someone among their relatives who is looking for that missing person,' he said. Nicole Winfield And Dario Artale, The Associated Press
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PCs conquer three peaks for retired service dogs
A team of police dog handlers has completed a gruelling mountaineering challenge in aid of retired service dogs. Four constables from Northamptonshire and a sergeant from Leicestershire scaled the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland in just over 25 hours. They have so far raised more than £3,000, which will be split between two charities. "This was, without doubt, the hardest and most physically demanding challenge that any of us have ever done," said PC Bradley Bowman. "We know that the Three Peaks Challenge is meant to be done in under 24 hours but considering the awful weather and some traffic disruption along the way, we're really proud of ourselves for completing it in the time we did. "Our bodies are now in pieces!" PCs Bowman, Daniel Bradley-Brophy, Lucy Sculthorpe and Sean Foster from Northamptonshire Police were joined by Sgt Grace Feavyour from Leicestershire. The titanic trio of mountains total a height of 3408m (11,182ft) over a distance of 23 miles (37km). The sun was beaming down on the team as it started its ascent of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands on 13 June but the heavens opened an hour into the climb and continued throughout the challenge. There was a weather warning in force at Scafell Pike in Cumbria, where thunder crashed around them in the early hours of the following day. The challengers finished with their descent of the rain-soaked Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in Wales, that afternoon. The funds raised will go to the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and Hero Paws - Life after Service, both of which look after dogs who have served with various organisations including the police, prison service and Border Force. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Police dog nicknamed The Bear 'puts up his paws' Meet the new police dogs looking for leads Northamptonshire Police National Foundation for Retired Service Animals Hero Paws Leicestershire Police
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
PCs conquer three peaks for retired service dogs
A team of police dog handlers has completed a gruelling mountaineering challenge in aid of retired service constables from Northamptonshire and a sergeant from Leicestershire scaled the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland in just over 25 have so far raised more than £3,000, which will be split between two charities."This was, without doubt, the hardest and most physically demanding challenge that any of us have ever done," said PC Bradley Bowman. "We know that the Three Peaks Challenge is meant to be done in under 24 hours but considering the awful weather and some traffic disruption along the way, we're really proud of ourselves for completing it in the time we did. "Our bodies are now in pieces!" PCs Bowman, Daniel Bradley-Brophy, Lucy Sculthorpe and Sean Foster from Northamptonshire Police were joined by Sgt Grace Feavyour from titanic trio of mountains total a height of 3408m (11,182ft) over a distance of 23 miles (37km).The sun was beaming down on the team as it started its ascent of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands on 13 June but the heavens opened an hour into the climb and continued throughout the was a weather warning in force at Scafell Pike in Cumbria, where thunder crashed around them in the early hours of the following day. The challengers finished with their descent of the rain-soaked Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in Wales, that funds raised will go to the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and Hero Paws - Life after Service, both of which look after dogs who have served with various organisations including the police, prison service and Border Force. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Khaleej Times
20-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Meet UAE's dog whisperer who trains elite canines for search, rescue, security
What began as a personal bond with dogs became a life-changing mission for Mohammad Anwar. He turned his deep love for animals into pioneering domestic dog training, becoming the first Emirati project specialising in producing police dogs trained for all needs. At just 11, Anwar developed a deep bond with dogs, which started by feeding strays leftovers from home. 'I used to care for street dogs,' he said. 'It became such a big part of my life that school started slipping.' Concerned, his father made a deal: if Anwar improved in school, he would be rewarded with a dog. Anwar kept his promise and had his first dog, a German Shepherd. But his next dog, Caesar, truly changed his life. 'Caesar was like my shadow,' Anwar recalled. 'He stayed with me for nearly six years.' Their bond was tested after a football match when Anwar was attacked. As others ran, Caesar broke free and rushed to protect him. 'He started licking the blood off my face, letting out a sound like he was crying,' he said. 'He was the only one who came back for me.' That moment sparked a mission: 'I realised nothing is more loyal than a dog.' Determined to deepen his knowledge, Anwar taught himself dog behaviour through YouTube before enrolling in specialised courses in the Netherlands. The training helped him understand the importance of both positive and negative reinforcement, as well as how to stay calm and responsive while working with animals. 'Knowing when to be calm and how to respond correctly makes all the difference in earning a dog's trust,' he said. By 2015, the idea for a specialised dog training centre took root. Two years later, in 2017, he officially launched the project. Today, Anwar's facility breeds and trains dogs for various professional roles, including search and rescue, narcotics detection, criminal investigations, and protection of critical infrastructure. The centre houses up to 46 highly trained dogs at any given time. 'We've reached a stage where we're exporting trained dogs to countries like the US, UK, Switzerland, and across the Arab world,' Anwar said. Government agencies now rely on his dogs, and his team also runs specialised training programmes for security personnel. But the journey has not been without challenges. Relocating his training centre multiple times across the Emirates has been one of Anwar's biggest hurdles. 'Each move meant starting over financially,' he said. The shift from Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain was particularly tough due to a lack of income. 'I put everything I had into it,' he recalled. In 2022, he moved again to Ras Al Khaimah, where he finally found the needed space and support. 'I hoped to stay at least ten years to settle and repay my debts.' During those tough times, one of Anwar's dogs, Boo, who was kept for emotional support, played a crucial role. 'When I was overwhelmed, he'd do silly things to make me laugh. He could sense my stress and helped me feel grounded,' he said. Anwar's resilience and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has won over 23 titles in international dog competitions, taking top-spot trophies in prestigious shows in the UAE and Russia. In 2022, his team achieved a significant milestone by winning first place in the KNPV (Royal Dutch Police Dog Sport) championship in the Netherlands, one of the most respected competitions in police dog training. Currently, his centre produces around 25 to 30 high-performance dogs annually. His next target is to increase that number to 70 per year. 'The more the world sees our quality, the more they want. But quality can't be rushed,' he said. Anwar is quick to credit his team for the centre's success. 'I couldn't have done this alone. Their dedication has been important to this journey.' Looking ahead, 'In five years, I want this to be the largest dog training centre in the Middle East. After that, one that will be the top source globally,' he noted.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Essex police dog helper among those honoured by King
A woman who helps give retired police dogs a new lease of life has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours."It was a shock, and it's an honour and it's thrilling," said Linda Belgrove, who set up Essex Retired Police Dogs 70-year-old former vice chair of Essex Police Authority, from Alresford near Colchester, has become a MBE for services to far she and her husband have raise £94,000 and helped 48 dogs with veterinary care and welfare. Ms Belgrove said she realised during her previous role in 2008 that there was no plan for police dogs after their homed the dogs would also be solely responsible for vet bills, which would often be more substantial due to the demands of their previous Belgrove said she roped in her "poor husband" and launched the charity in 2012."There's a surety that help is on hand, and that we will support them [the dogs]," she said."What we've realised is the 'charity' way of looking after these dogs is the best way."In having your independence from policing and from government, you have the right to say, 'This dog may be 12 years old but it's got every likelihood of living another couple of years. Whatever treatment that dog may need, we're going to pay it.'"We've never failed a dog."In 2020, she also co-ordinated a national front for such charities in the form of the Association of Retired Police Dog Charities (ARPDC)."We all operate in a different way, we're all independent, but there's a great friendship amongst us," she said. 'Hugely privileged' Elsewhere in Essex, Paul Wilkinson, 59, of Langford near Maldon, was appointed MBE for services to young people, after spending more than 40 years in the youth sector - largely with the he engaged with almost 1,000 children from hard-to-reach backgrounds as part of an "on the water" programme with the Sea ran thousands of free watersport activities, achieving 132 recognised qualifications for participants along the way. Despite his achievements, Mr Wilkinson was shocked at the news from the palace."I was hugely privileged and very surprised, and I have to say I couldn't do what I do - and have the impact I have - without hundreds of volunteers and employees who support everything we do."Mr Wilkinson said many children were too nervous to take part when they first joined, but he relished watching them develop their about his proudest moment, he said he taught a young Muslim girl from Birmingham who had never been on the water."At one stage she was hiding behind the car... because she simply didn't want to come out and get involved."By the end of the activity, she had her buoyancy aid on, she was out in a canoe, really, really loving it and having the time of her life - and she then came back the following day."And that's just one tiny little example of one tiny event." Other people from Essex who have been honoured by the King include:Jeff Pope, of Brentwood, writer, director and producer - MBE for services to dramaPaul Cotgrove, of Benfleet - BEM for services to film and British film heritageDeta Hedman, of Witham - OBE for services to darts and to charityRebekah Iyambo, of Buckhurst Hill, chief executive at Eko Trust - OBE for services to educationAlex Boucher, of Colchester, founder and managing director at Analog - MBE for services to the gaming industry and entrepreneurship Frederick Hudson, of Waltham Abbey - MBE for services to the Arsenal Football Club communityOwase Jeelani, of Loughton, professor of paediatric neurosurgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital - MBE for services to neurosurgery and global child healthReverend Brian Jennings, of Frinton-on-Sea - BEM for services to the community in Walton-on-the-NazeSusan Mapp, of Harlow, special educational needs and disability co-educator at Cooks Spinney Primary Academy - BEM for services to Special Educational Needs Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
