Police appeal: officers are taking part in a 15km Thames trek for their furry friends
Police officers in Croydon are taking part in a 15-mile charity fund-raising walk next month for Croydon Animal Samaritans – as a response to the traumatic scenes some witnessed when on an emergency call at the start of August.
The police arrived at a flat on Cherry Orchard Road, not far from East Croydon Station, in the late afternoon “to carry out arrest enquiries in connection with an ongoing investigation”.
It marked the start of a nine-hour stand-off in which a man, in clear distress, barricaded himself into his flat. The scene was attended by several police vehicles, as well as specially trained officers from the Tactical Support Group, as well as the London Fire Brigade.
A police cordon was set-up and the busy road was shut off for a time. At one point, the man threw two dogs from the fourth-floor balcony.
The man was eventually arrested “on suspicion of animal cruelty, criminal damage, indecent exposure and breach of a court order”. He was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to a south London hospital.
Some of the officers who attended that distressing event are now seeking sponsorship as they take part in the Thames Bridges 25km Trek to help a local charity.
“Recently our team attended a tough animal cruelty case which has affected a number of colleagues,” they say on their JustGiving page.
“In response to this we would like to give something back to our furry friends and volunteers who care for them.”
Croydon Animal Samaritans is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable and abandoned animals. The charity rescues dogs, cats and other animals in need, and also offers essential veterinary care, rehabilitation and rehoming services. The charity has been under increasing pressures recently – not least from the soaring vets’ bills for neutering rescued animals and an increasing number of abandoned puppies and kittens.
As the police JustGiving page says, “The ongoing costs of care and resources have increased, making it challenging for them to continue their vital work.
“By coming together to support this fundraiser, we can help ensure that these animals receive the love, care and second chances they deserve. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in providing a safe haven for animals in Croydon.”
The appeal has already raised more than £2,000.
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