AN APPEAL has been set up to help raise money for a retired police dog in need of expensive medical treatment.

Kobi, a retired eight-year-old German Shepherd, had an impressive and hard-working career with Essex Police which has left him with several conditions that require ongoing treatment.

This includes a joint disorder that the insurance company has now ruled will not be covered for any further treatment.

As a result, this has left the family who now care for him with hefty vet bills as they continue to make sure he gets the care he needs.

The Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund (ERPDF) has stepped in to help as much as they can, but they are now appealing for help from the public to continue the care.

A spokesman for the ERPDF said: “Kobi needs your help.

“A special appeal is being launched to help finance ongoing veterinary costs for retired police dog Kobi. This wonderful German Shepherd has an extraordinary record.

“Kobi’s hard-working life has left its mark and joint disease along with other conditions need constant treatment.

“The insurance company the family have him covered with have ruled against any more claims for a number of his conditions and we are already assisting with vet fees, but we now need to raise £1,500.”

Kobi, who now lives with a family in Ashingdon, was one of 14 dogs awarded a service medal at the force’s Chelmsford headquarters in October.

Former dog handler PC Paul Nicholls came up with the idea to recognise the dogs’ achievements after installing a plaque dedicated to the memory of police dogs.

Kobi, who worked mainly as a general purpose dog, hit the headlines in June 2015 after successfully helping to secure the arrest of a burglar.

The German Shepherd searched the property with handler PC Paul Arthey and found the teenage suspect hiding in the basement of the home.

To help support Kobi and his family, visit www.essexretiredpolicedogs.co.uk/donate.html