Rescued pets join Stevenage Dog Watch scheme

The rescued dogs with Sarah Sheldrick and Community Sergeant Richard Wilmot

Greyhound/Staffie cross Douglas was found abandoned on a rubbish tip.

Refuse workers initially assumed he was foraging but realised he was in trouble when he was still there two days later.

Douglas was rescued and taken to a vet who found he had two fractures to his lower leg that probably occurred seven to ten days earlier.

Douglas was subsequently taken to a national animal charity where he had the injured leg amputated.

Plight

Despite his plight being highlighted in the national media, staff were unable to find him a good home for the animal.

He was eventually taken in by animal welfare volunteer Sarah Sheldrick from Stevenage, who agreed to foster Douglas and nurse him back to health.

Now, along with fellow rescue dog Bella, a Saluki who is also an amputee - Douglas works for Stevenage police as a mascot for Dog Watch - a version of Neighbourhood Watch.

‘Dog Watch Douglas’ in action

Successful

Community Safety Sergeant Richard Wilmot said: "Dog Watch in Stevenage has been phenomenally successful.

"It currently has 1,039 members and we believe it's the largest Dog Watch in the country. Other forces have approached Sarah to ask her what she's doing to make it so popular.

"Dog Watch works because dog walkers are constantly out and about and they notice things out of the ordinary. We ask members to keep us informed of anything they think is suspicious. They also report graffiti or damage to street furniture to the council. Along with the other watches we run, they're the eyes and ears of our community."

Community

Sarah spends around 40 hours per week as a volunteer for Hertfordshire Constabulary and Dogwatch.

She said: "I love doing things for the community - I'd much rather be doing this than sitting around. My family, friends and Dog Watch members help and I've had lots of support from local councillors and local MP Stephen McPartland.

"But we are always looking for new members. Come and join in the fun and serve your community at the same time," said Sarah.

For more information about Stevenage Dog Watch, visit: www.stevenagedogwatch.org