Senior Superintendent (Dr) John Birrell joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) Veterinary Services on 01 February 2006 after transferring from the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
His interest in veterinary science has focused on the medical and surgical conditions of large breed military and police working dogs as well as their welfare in terms of their general health care and overall well being. He is currently the senior clinician and commander of the Veterinary Hospital (Pretoria, South Africa).