Police dog stabbed three times in domestic incident
Written by News on 05/07/2018
A police dog has been stabbed three times after attending a domestic incident in Derbyshire.
PD Axle and his handler PC Dean were responding to calls of a disturbance at an address in Riddings at 6.50pm on Wednesday.
A large number of officers and a police helicopter attended the scene.
PD Axle was taken to a veterinary hospital with critical injuries but is now said to be recovering well after receiving treatment. Nobody else was hurt.
PC Dean has thanked everyone for their support and well wishes.
Derbyshire Police told Sky News: “Axle is now recovering well and will probably take some time off to recover. Hopefully he will eventually be back on duty.”
A 27-year-old man has been arrested for domestic assault and serious offences relating to officers.
It comes a day before a bill making it a criminal offence to attack a police animal gets another reading in parliament.
Known as “Finn’s Law“, named after police German shepherd Finn who was stabbed in the head and chest, the Service Animals Offences Bill has been backed by Michael Gove.
Finn saved his handler PC Dave Wardell’s life while they chased a robbery suspect in 2016.
Criminal damage is currently the only available charge for someone who attacks a police or service animal, despite them being attacked frequently.
PC Wardell, who has campaigned for the law to change, told Sky News: “This tragic incident once again demonstrates the heroism and courage of our police dogs who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public and their handlers.
“Despite my best efforts I haven’t been able to get Finn’s Law in place prior to PD Axle being stabbed last night. This is something that deeply troubles me.
“Finn’s law is back in parliament for the second attempt on Friday. It may be too late for PD Axle but I’m hopeful this time all MPs will support the reading.
“These loyal and heroic animals dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our community, the least we can do is protect them with Finn’s Law.”
The Service Animals Offences Bill’s most recent reading was opposed by Sir Christopher Chope, who also rejected a law to make upskirting a criminal offence.
(c) Sky News 2018: Police dog stabbed three times in domestic incident
