Force denies trying to shut down dog protection campaign

Hertfordshire Constabulary has rejected accusations that it tried to stop a campaign to offer police animals the same protections as officers.

The ‘Finn’s Law’ campaign was launched last week after Police Dog Finn and his handler were stabbed while chasing down a suspected armed robber.

In just seven days the petition has reached more than 66,000 signatures – two thirds of the amount needed to be considered for Parliamentary debate.

However, the force reportedly made “an intimidating phone call” to the woman behind the campaign’s Twitter account, asking if she was doing it for money and requesting that she stop.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has now denied this accusation, claiming it was merely trying to discern the woman’s motives.

A force spokesperson said: “We have an absolute responsibility to safeguard the legal process surrounding any trial involving any person who has been charged with offences – especially incidents which have become high profile.

“It is perfectly legitimate for us to ensure the identity and understand the motives of anyone becoming involved with the constabulary on such a high profile matter and offering their services.

“Anything to help promote the safety of members of the police family should be looked at positively, however, ultimately the decision on legislative change is a matter for the government.”

A teenager has been arrested for the attack on Finn and charged with criminal damage.

The campaigners do not believe this penalty is severe enough and are calling on the Government to increase charges for anyone who attacks a police animal to grievous or actual bodily harm.

This would bring sanctions in line with laws in the US, where many states give dogs that are killed on duty full police funerals.

A spokesperson for Finn’s Law said: “Obviously at the time, the tone [Hertfordshire Constabulary] had taken was quite surprising, but now we have some more people working on Finn’s Law and we are just keen to focus on the positive aspects that have happened since launching it – not just one negative part.”

The force added: “Were there to be a proposal for legislative change we would support legislation that offered an effective mechanism for reducing the likelihood of officers and their police dogs being subject to assault and injury.

“We are continuing to support Police Dog Finn and his handler and it is very gratifying to know the public are also showing their support.”