MEET

RPD Bella

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeLeicestershire Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

  • Retired police dog Bella lays amongst the bluebells
  • Police dog Bella sits beside a police helicopter
  • Police dog Bella lays down as a drone flies overhead

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG BELLA

RPD Bella served as a general purpose dog with Leicestershire Police from 2023 until she was forced to retire early, in 2025, due to an injury.

She joined at 15 months old and was partnered with new dog handler Megan Gray, who said she was an ‘incredible’ first dog.  

She added: “Bella was truly a pleasure to work. Although it took time to gain her trust and respect, our bond now feels completely unbreakable. I couldn’t bear to be without her, and I feel so lucky to now call her my own.

“She taught me so much and many lessons I now carry forward with my new general purpose dog, PD Halo, and any future dogs I work with.”

Megan added: “Bella is small in size and undeniably beautiful, however, she is never to be underestimated. Bella is a true pocket rocket with a fiery personality to match.”

Police dog Bella sits beside a police helicopter
Police dog Bella lays down as a drone flies overhead

“Despite her size, Bella had a huge presence at a job and was incredibly effective at creating a surrendering mindset in any criminal she came across.

“Bella played a vital role in bringing many dangerous situations under control, from suspects armed with axes, to incidents involving groups fighting with weapons.”

Bella was well-known for her tracking and searching skills. 

Megan added: “On one occasion she tracked and located a high-risk missing person who was unconscious following an overdose; thanks to Bella she was taken to hospital and received lifesaving medical treatment.”

Bella, now four, had an incredible drive to work but, unfortunately, this enthusiasm also contributed to a career-ending injury, tearing her hip flexor muscle.

She is now fully healed from the injury and is enjoying retirement alongside her housemate, PD Halo. But Megan registered Bella with the Foundation for support should she face further health problems down the line.

Megan added: “I didn’t want to live a day without her after she’d kept me safe at work and always given me her 100%.

“Bella is now enjoying a slower place of life, which she is taking surprisingly well to, especially when it comes to the sofa!

“The Foundation has been so supportive of our section when we lost PD Zyla, has supported retired and working dogs, recognises teams through the Awards, and kindly sent welfare packages.”

Retired police dog Bella lays in the flower bed
Retired police dog Bella out on a walk

“My experience of the Foundation has always been very positive. I can only imagine the support that would be given if anything was ever to go wrong with Bella.“

Megan, Bella’s former handler and owner

BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

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