Stella the retired police dog wins Hero Dog Award at Crufts

A retired police dog has won the Hero Dog Award at the Crufts international show.

Stella, the Staffordshire bull terrier worked at Gloucestershire Police for eight years. The nine-year-old canine was a finalist in the Extraordinary Life of a Working Dog category with her owner and handler PC Claire Todd.

She was one of five finalists and was announced as the The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award winner by broadcaster Kay Burley. Stella started life as a rescue dog before working as a police cash, drugs and firearms recovery dog.

Stella was rescued by the RSPCA after being found wandering the streets of Taunton as a stray and was referred to the police after being recognised for her skills. She became the first Staffordshire bull terrier police dog in the UK in 2014. Stella and Claire were presented with the prestigious award at a ceremony held last night, on Sunday March 12th.

They also received a cheque for £5,000 from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for a dog and charity of their choice. The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award is chosen by public vote and is a celebration of the unique bond shared with owners and their heroic dogs.

Claire told ITV News: “It is just incredible, I’m speechless. Really it is amazing and we are so grateful for everyone that has voted. All the dogs are such worthy winners so we are over the moon.

Stella is so special because she is a rescue dog and also the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the country to be a police dog and she has been worth her weight in gold to me.

“It’s brilliant the work police dogs do, they don’t realise how important their job is but to us it is invaluable. The police dogs are incredible and do such an incredible job. I was holding back the tears, I didn’t expect to win.”

During her working career, Stella managed to find weapons and thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash. During school and community visits outside her work with the police she has also helped people overcome their fear of dogs.

Crufts show manager Vanessa McAlpine said: “Their story is truly inspirational and they are so deserving of this award. All the finalists perfectly demonstrated not only the incredible bond they share, but also the positive impact dogs have on all our lives.

“All the dogs and owners have transformed each other’s lives for the better and we thank them all for sharing their stories with us. They are all heroes.”