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MPs to debate 'Finn's law' after police dog attacked
finn
Finn suffered stab wounds to the head and chest during pursuit of a suspect.

Petition calls for equal status for police animals and officers

MPs are set to debate a petition calling for police dogs and horses to be given the same status as human police officers when they are injured in the line of duty. The petition has been signed more than 120,000 times.

Last month, police dog Finn and his handler PC Dave Wardell suffered stab wounds in Stevenage while they chased a suspect in the early hours on 5 October. PC Wardell received an injury to the hand, while Finn suffered multiple knife injuries to his head and chest, involving several vital organs.

After undergoing major emergency surgery, Finn was transferred to intensive care for recovery. He is currently recovering at home and said to be doing well.

A 16-year-old male was charged with ABH assault on PC Wardell and criminal damage relating to Finn, among other charges.

'Finn's Law' campaigners want to see similar charges for those who attack police dogs and human police officers.

The petition, which was set up on the government's petition site, calls for police animals to 'be given protection that reflects their status if assaulted in the line of duty'. As it has now been signed by more than 100,000 people, it will be debated in parliament on 14 November.

Mark Tasker from the campaign told BBC News: "We are absolutely elated, we always knew this was something that would capture the public's imagination and it seems that parliament recognises just how offensive it is to classify the killing or serious attack on a police dog or horse as criminal damage."

Image courtesy of Hertfordshire Constabulary

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.