Police dogs and other service animals will now receive more protection, after new laws came into effect last week.
The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act stops people who have injured service animals claiming it was in self-defence and introduces tougher measures against people who hurt or injure service animals.
The Bill has been dubbed Finn’s Law after the police dog who brought the issue to public attention. Finn was stabbed while chasing a man suspected of armed robbery, receiving serious wounds to the head and chest. Despite the severity of the injuries the perpetrator could only be charged with criminal damage – the new law will change that by making unnecessary suffering to a service animal a specific offence.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Service animals work tirelessly, often in difficult and dangerous conditions, it is vital that they are afforded the protection they deserve. I am delighted that Finn’s Law is now in operation and able to provide that extra protection for important service animals.”
