PW_4_2025

Article

Protecting Our Protectors: Why I Volunteer With The NFRSA By IPA member Nicholas Seal I n fact, during one particular incident, a Police Dog quite literally put itself between me and a suspect - something I’ve never forgotten, and I can picture the situation quite clearly to this day. I genuinely believe my situation could be quite different right now without that dog risking its life, and the crazy thing is that I had never even met the dog prior to that incident, but it knew its purpose. The loyalty, focus, and courage left a lasting impression on me, and even after stepping away from policing, that appreciation has never faded. In my day job, I work in data and technology architecture, helping organisations make sense of complex systems and supporting decision making through data. When I learned about the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), I realised I had an opportunity to bring those professional skills into a cause that was incredibly close to my heart. I now volunteer with the NFRSA supporting the charity not only with data insights and reporting but also with managing and updating their website to ensure our supporters, handlers, and partners have clear access to what they need. The NFRSA is a UK-registered charity (number 1200949) that provides vital support to retired service animals - dogs and horses that have served across the Police, Fire, Prison, Border Force, National Crime Agency, and the NHS. When these animals retire, the financial support that covered their care during service ends. Handlers, many of whom choose to adopt their former partners, are left to shoulder the costs of food, medical treatment, and insurance - if insurance is even available. Older animals, particularly those with specialist training or injuries sustained in service, are often excluded from affordable cover. This is where the NFRSA steps in. Since its launch at the National Police Dog Trials in May 2022, the charity has grown rapidly, fuelled by its passionate leadership and the generosity of its supporters. To date, over £150,000 has been granted in veterinary and medical support to animals from the six services, with more than £45,000 awarded in 2025 alone across 88 applications. And with over 450 registered animals, the work cannot stop. There are no registration fees, no membership dues, and no expectations beyond a shared desire to provide these animals with the care they need in retirement.

As a former Special Constable, on a rare occasion I had the honour of working alongside some of the most courageous and dependable partners on the front line - our Police Dogs. Whether it was tracking down a suspect, searching for a vulnerable person, or simply offering a reassuring presence during tense situations, these animals were far more than support units; they were trusted colleagues.

The NFRSA has collaborated with smaller regional police dog charities across the UK, offering support where local resources may be limited. In fact, several regional organisations - including those covering Devon & Cornwall, and Dorset Police, Gwent Police, Cleveland Police, Greater Manchester Police, and West Midlands Police - have chosen to amalgamate with the NFRSA to strengthen their collective impact and reach. At the heart of the charity is its founder, The Countess Bathurst. Her commitment to the welfare of service animals is genuine, visible, and deeply moving. She’s not just a figurehead - she’s actively involved in shaping the charity’s direction, advocating for the cause, and ensuring that every decision is grounded in the belief that these animals deserve a happy, healthy, and secure retirement. As she puts it, “Being there for our service animals in their retirement is not only a joy, but we could almost view it as our responsibility. They have given so much to us, in endless ways, and our pledge in return is to give them the safe, happy and above all, healthy retirement they deserve.” For me, the opportunity to combine my professional expertise with a personal passion is incredibly rewarding. It’s one thing to admire the work of a charity from a distance - it’s another to be part of it, contributing to something that genuinely makes a difference. I’ve seen the data and read the messages of gratitude from handlers. The charity’s motto, Protect Our Protectors, isn’t just a tagline - it’s a promise. If, like me, you believe that service animals deserve the same loyalty they’ve shown us, I encourage you to learn more, spread the word, or get involved. Whether through donations, fundraising, partnerships, or simply sharing the message, every act of support helps ensure that no retired service animal is

left without the care they deserve. To find out more about the NFRSA,

visit www.nfrsa.org.uk , email info@nfrsa.org.uk , or write to The NFRSA, Bathurst Estate Office, Cirencester Park, Cirencester, Glos GL7 2BU.

POLICE WORLD Vol 70 No.4, 2025

24