‘Legendary’ Police Dog Ash retires from Avon and Somerset …

A true canine policing legend and one of the finest working dogs[1] every to wag their tail has retired from Avon and Somerset Police. After apprehending countless offenders and helping numerous vulnerable victims, Police Dog Ash has taken retirement. Now aged seven, PD Ash has been winding down for the last few months and preparing for life indoors with his handler and family, having finished his days of patrolling the streets.

However, in the twilight of his career, he continued to work with armed officers as a tactical firearms support dog. He has been described by the force[2] as “an outstanding servant and a dependable crew mate”. In 2019, he won the National Police Dog Championships.

One of his proudest days was on March 21, 2021, during a riot in Bristol city centre[5]. Stationed outside the Bridewell Police Station, PD Ash and his fellow police dogs helped prevent rioters gaining entry and then helped clear the surrounding streets in with uniformed human colleagues. Avon and Somerset Constabulary said that this was an outstanding achievement by Ash and the four other dogs present.

It culminated in all five dogs being awarded the National Service Dog Bravery and Achievement Award in 2022. A spokesperson said: “PD Ash has retired from service. The National Police Dog Champion 2019 has been a tremendous loyal servant with numerous deployments in bringing offenders to justice and helping vulnerable people.

“He has adjusted wonderfully to living indoors with his handler and family.

Legend.”

References

1. ^ working dogs (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ by the force (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ Fluffy white dog walker attacks middle-aged man in Bristol park (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ New cinema set to open in Bristol (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
5. ^ Bristol city centre (www.bristolpost.co.uk)