Memorial for police dog Finn will now pay tribute to all service dogs
A fundraising appeal for a memorial statue to retired police dog Finn, which died last month at the age of 14, has exceeded its target of £40,000.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity that supports serving and retired police dogs across the UK, launched the fundraiser after its ‘ambassa-dog’ Finn died in his sleep on July 27.
The German Shepherd from Hertfordshire Constabulary was stabbed with a 12in hunting knife while protecting his handler, PC Dave Wardell.
Both the officer and police dog Finn needed surgery after being attacked by a 16-year-old suspect in October 2016.
The event sparked a national campaign to create a new offence, dubbed Finn’s Law, so that people who attack police animals can be charged with more serious crimes than criminal damage.
The appeal has raised more than £49,000 (including Gift Aid) and the charity has announced that the memorial will now also include special plaques with names of other UK police dogs in tribute to their service.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation said work is ongoing to establish where the statue will be sited, as well as its design.
Mr Wardell thanked everyone who made a donation the fundraising appeal, adding: “Since Finn passed I have been completely lost and struggling to cope. The thought of finding a way to help keep Finn’s legacy and story alive has kept me going.
“I want to give a huge thank you to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for their help in making this dream come true.
“Finn’s story is incredible. He is one in a billion. His story and his legacy deserve to live on beyond my years.
“I hope Finn’s memorial brings people comfort and pleasure for many generations. Let’s keep his legacy alive.”