Dogs are incredibly smart and loving and become family members. Sergeant David Evans of the West Mercia Police force in the UK retired after 34 years of service. He was distraught when he learned that he would not be able to keep his four-year-old police dog Ivy.
Sergeant David Evans had finally decided to retire after more than three decades of serving and protecting. However, he was extremely disappointed to learn that leaving his job also meant leaving behind Ivy, his dedicated and beloved police dog.
Evans even offered to pay the West Mercia Police force $40,000 to replace Ivy. However, his request was denied.
When Jennie Evans saw how despondent this left her father, she started an online petition at change.org to help convince West Mercia Police that her father should keep Ivy. The petition has already received 26,000 signature and reads:
“My dad Dave is a Dog Handler Sergeant for West Mercia Police. And for the past four years, he has had Ivy, a police dog, by his side. In April this year my dad is due to retire and after 34 years he has only one request, that Ivy can retire alongside him and continue to live at the family home where she has been since she was 9 months old. But West Mercia police are trying to separate Ivy and my dad.
West Mercia Police think putting Ivy into the hands of another handler is a “sensible” thing to do, they are reluctant to take into consideration the distress and heartbreak that would be caused by removing Ivy from the loving home she has with my dad and our family, the heartbreak – not just for us but for Ivy, anyone who owns a dog knows the bond that is made and the distress that can be caused by separation. In the past four years, they have spent every day together and have created a special and unique bond with one another. It is truly something you have to see to believe. Before joining the Police Force Ivy had already had 2 previous homes, with us she was able to finally be in a loving home where she could settle into a routine when she wasn’t on duty. She now loves nothing more than her endless walks around the fields with Dave.
“It is also extremely sad that this is how West Mercia Police repays a man who has dedicated 34 years of his life to the Police Force. My dad has even offered to buy Ivy or cover expenses of another dog to replace her job, and they have even refused this. Please help us to try and make West Mercia Police do the right thing for our beloved Ivy, help make our Dad’s retirement the special achievement it should be and finish his career with Ivy by his side.”
Jennie’s petition has received an overwhelming response; West Mercia Police have not been swayed by her efforts. They have remained steadfast in their position, responding to her call to action on Facebook with, “The number of signatures is not the main driver – it is what is best for the animal and for the community we serve. It might of (sic) been helpful to have raised the matter directly with the Chief Constable, before starting the public campaign.”
Before joining the Police Force, Ivy had already had two previous homes, with us she was able to finally be in a loving home where she could settle into a routine when she wasn’t on duty. She now loves nothing more than her endless walks around the fields with Dave.
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