`Heroic` police dog to receive animal George Cross

Former Hertfordshire Constabulary police dog Finn suffered life-threatening injuries protecting his handler Police Constable Dave Wardell in October 2016.

The incident sparked a public campaign to introduce better protections for police animals, which was recently debated in Parliament.

Finn – who has since retired and made a full recovery – has now been nominated for the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Gold Medal in recognition of his bravery.

He will receive the award on May 6 at the charity PetLife’s 2018 festival, in the first ever public presentation of such a medal.

Hertfordshire police and crime commissioner David Lloyd, who nominated Finn for the award along with Chief Constable Charlie Hall, said: “Finn’s horrific injuries and the bravery he showed that night lit a fire in the hearts of the British public.

“Attacking a police animal should not be treated in the same way as damaging a police car. The public clearly think the same, and the fact PD Finn’s actions have prompted this response shows how much the public care about our animals’ important contribution to policing.

“Finn’s award is a fitting recognition for his heroic actions that night. I very much look forward to seeing Finn formally presented with his PDSA gold medal, later in the year.”

PC Wardell said: “I am bursting with pride that Finn is receiving this award – he is a true gem and embodies everything that is special about police dogs in this country.

“He is my best friend and I owe him my life.”