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Hero police dog to receive national award
Finn will receive his award at the IFAW Animal Action Awards later this month.
Finn braved serious injuries to hold down a suspect

A hero police dog that showed immense bravery whilst suffering from horrific knife injuries is to receive a national award.

Eight-year-old German Shepard Finn will receive the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s Animal of the Year Award at a prestigious ceremony in London later this month.

Finn and his handler were chasing a suspect last October when they were both stabbed with a knife. Finn sustained serious wounds to the head and chest whilst PC Wardell suffered an injury to his hand.

Despite losing a lot of blood, Finn clung onto the suspect until PC Wardell was able to place him in handcuffs. Finn was then rushed for emergency surgery, where he was deemed to be just minutes away from losing his life.

Thankfully, Finn made a full recovery and was declared fit for duty in a matter of weeks. On his first night, he even managed to track down and catch another suspect!

Finn’s incredible story was documented by PC Wardell on social media, who firmly believes he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Finn’s bravery and loyalty. He campaigned tirelessly for ‘Finn’s Law’, calling for attacks on police animals to be upgraded from a criminal damage offence (at the time they were considered mere ‘property’). He also campaigned for an increase in maximum sentencing from six months to five years.

The Finn’s Law petition went on to attract more than 127,000 signatures before the last general election. In February, such attacks were raised to an ‘aggravated offence’ and, earlier this month, the government announced plans to increase the maximum sentence to five years in prison.

“Finn is a truly remarkable dog in a million. His defence of his handler and his dedication to duty shows the special relationships that can exist between dogs and people," commented Philip Mansbridge, UK director of IFAW. “Similarly, PC Wardell’s tireless campaign following the devastating attack on his canine best friend is admirable and we hope it will help prevent similar attacks on police animals in the future.”

PC Wardell described the past year as a ‘real emotional rollercoaster’.

“It still feels very raw now but we have at least turned negatives into positives as much as possible,” he said. “I was really blown away to hear that Finn was to receive the IFAW Animal of the Year Award, not just because IFAW has been a group at the forefront of the push to change legislation but also it is an honour to see Finn’s actions recognised with this award.”
 
Finn will receive his award at the IFAW Animal Action Awards at the House of Lords on October 17.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.