hero police dog Finn inspires landmark legislation passed today to protect service animals

Hero police dog Finn, who beat the odds to survive horrific knife wounds to the head and chest inflicted in the line of duty, has won further praise today (Tuesday) after Parliament passed ‘Finn’s Law’ to better protect other service animals from attack.

German Shepherd Finn, along with handler PC Dave Wardell, from Hertfordshire, was chasing a suspect in October 2016 when they were attacked with a knife, resulting in Finn sustaining serious stab wounds to the head and chest. PC Wardell suffered a hand injury.

Despite his injuries, Finn held on to the suspect until PC Wardell was able to handcuff him before Finn was rushed for emergency surgery, where he was deemed to be within minutes of losing his life. Life-saving open-chest surgery was performed and Finn went on to stage a remarkable recovery, being declared fit for duties just a few weeks later and going on to track and catch another suspect on his first night back at work.

Finn’s experience was movingly documented on social media by PC Wardell who has no doubt he himself was saved from serious injury or death by Finn’s bravery and loyalty. With support from IFAW, he began to campaign tirelessly for ‘Finn’s Law’, calling for attacks on police animals to be upgraded from a criminal damage offence, (as they were considered mere ‘property’ at the time), and for an increase in maximum sentencing from just six months in prison to five years.

Today, Finn and Dave were both present as special guests at the House of Lords to witness their campaign come to fruition, with Finn’s Law, enshrined in the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, passing its Third Reading unopposed. Their local MP, Sir Oliver Heald, was so moved by Finn’s story that he tabled the Private Member’s Bill that led to the successful passing of the legislation, making it an offence to harm a Service Animal in England and Wales.

David Cowdrey, Head of Policy & Campaigns at IFAW, said: “We are delighted by the passing of this vital piece of legislation which we believe will work as an important deterrent to other serious attacks on the service dogs and horses which put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe.

“At IFAW we were all moved by Finn’s story and proud to stand alongside Dave and Finn to campaign for Finn’s Law. It is a remarkable example of the bond between humans and animals and a reminder that we need to protect all creatures. Finn is truly a dog in a million.”

In 2017 Finn received IFAW’s Animal of the Year Award and has gone on to win countless other awards for his bravery.

PC Wardell said: “Two years ago I could not have imagined what we would achieve today. From something horrific we now have something so positive. We couldn’t have done this alone, and are grateful to the team efforts with IFAW, so many supportive politicians across all parties, and of course the public who responded so strongly to Finn’s story. I am very proud of the legacy of Finn’s Law.”

Although Finn is now enjoying well deserved retirement living at home with Dave and his family, both he and Dave will continue campaigning, now pushing for similar legislation to protect service animals in Scotland.