THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro has backed calls for new legislation to help protect police animals known as Finn’s Law.

The PCC met police dog Finn and his handler Pc Dave Wardell from Hertfordshire Police to hear their story when they came to visit Surrey Police’s Mount Browne headquarters.

Finn was stabbed in the head as he tried to protect Pc Wardell, from a robbery suspect in Stevenage in 2016 leaving him with serious injuries.

The officer was also stabbed in the hand but was protected from further harm by Finn’s actions and says he believes his “best friend” saved his life.

Finn’s attacker however could only be charged with criminal damage in accordance with the current law and the Finn’s Law campaign was subsequently launched with the aim of reclassifying an attack on a service animal which would increase maximum sentences to five years.

The Service Animals (Offences) Bill is currently going through parliament and the PCC has written to Sir Oliver Heald MP, who is actively pursuing the change in law, to pledge his full support.

Mr Munro said: “It was a pleasure to meet both Finn and his handler Pc Dave Wardell and to hear the remarkable story of how Finn was seriously injured while saving his life from a violent criminal.

“Fortunately he survived that attack but it shows the real danger that service animals can face on a regular basis. That is why I fully support the creation of a ‘Finn’s Law’ which is aimed at protecting our police dogs and horses by introducing stronger sentences for violent criminals who harm them. We owe them no less.”

•For more information visit www.finnslaw.com.