Finn’s law passed to increase prison terms UK News

A new law has been passed, which means anyone who injures a police animal could spend up to five years in prison.

Previously, the sentence was a maximum of six months, but following a campaign by CP Dave Wardell of the Bed Dogs Unit, Cambs and Herts, the Sentencing Bill for the welfare of animals has now increased the penalty.

The bill, also known as Finn’s Law Part 2, comes after a police dog named Finn nearly died from injuries sustained while on duty in 2017.

PC Wardell said: “It has been a long and moving journey over many years, but all the hard work is worth it to support all of the amazing service animals that are put at risk on a daily basis.

ACC Jackie Sebire, who is in charge of the Joint Protective Services Command under which the Bed Dogs, Cambs and Herds Unit works, said: “We can never underestimate the dangers facing our officers. , dogs and other service animals are faced daily.

Dave and Finn

“Our service animals are truly a part of our police family and deserve this increased sentence if someone causes them harm.”

The original law, the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act known as Finn’s Law, came into effect in April 2019, after the Right Honorable Sir Oliver Heald QC’s MP introduced the Animal Services Bill (Finn’s Law) to Parliament in 2017.

This followed a campaign by PC Wardell after he and his then-era police dog Finn were called to reports of a robbery in Stevenage on October 5, 2016.

During the pursuit of the suspect, PC Wardell released Finn with an order to detain the suspect, the suspect attempted to jump over a fence but Finn kept pace and managed to grab his leg.

Dave joined Finn and within moments the suspect pounced on them, he brutally stabbed Finn in the head and chest while Dave injured his hand, Finn didn’t let the suspect go and in no time other officers arrived and he was arrested.

Finn, whose actions protected Dave’s life that night, nearly died of his injuries, but he miraculously recovered and returned to active service only 11 weeks later, retiring in March 2017 .

The 16 year old offender was charged with criminal damages to Finn and an ABH offense for injuries caused to PC Wardell he was given an eight month sentence.

Charlie Hall, Hertfordshire Constabulary Police Chief, added: “This is a huge achievement and everyone involved in achieving this should be proud of their contribution.

“While this dates back some time since the night of the PD Finland attack, I think it shows how modern police care and respect the role of the animals they deploy to help keep people safe. .