Police dogs in parts of Wales will now be fitted with specially made body armour.
The bespoke vests have been provided for the Cheshire and North Wales Police Alliance Dog section, with the force among the first in the UK to introduce equipment of its kind for their dogs, with Staffordshire Police also recently doing the same.
It comes following the passing of Finn’s Law in 2019 after an initiative by PC David Wardell of Hertfordshire Police who campaigned tirelessly for better protection of service dogs
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PV Wardell's German Shepherd Finn, was stabbed pursuing a suspect.
Finn, whose protective actions saved his handler's life, almost died from serious stab wounds to his chest and head.
Amazingly, Finn recovered and returned to active duty 11 weeks later. Others have not been so lucky.
Finn’s Law passed through parliament in 2019, meaning anyone who caused unnecessary suffering to a service animal while in commission of its duties can be charged under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and can no longer use the defence of fear.
This is the section for unnecessary suffering, which now has specific subsections for police dogs.
Previously, only criminal damage charges could be brought against attackers.
Since 2020, the Cheshire and North Wales Police Alliance Dog section have been testing and individually fitting kit to each police dog.
The animals often accompany officers, including firearms officers into dangerous situations.
Chief Inspector Simon Newell said: “These brave dogs deserve to be protected.
"We wouldn’t send our police officers out to face danger without the appropriate protective equipment, and the same should be said for our Police Dogs.
"We’re now rolling out the armour across the Alliance in our continued support for our canine colleagues.”
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