Is PD Finn's Law Failing Our Hero Dogs?

A former police dog handler has raised concerns about the inadequate implementation of Finn's Law, which was designed to enhance protections for service animals in the UK. Despite the law increasing penalties for the most serious cases of animal cruelty, handlers like PC Dave Wardell report ongoing difficulties in securing meaningful prosecutions and appropriate sentences for offenders.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Finn's Law, officially known as the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, was passed in 2019 following the near-fatal attack on a police dog named Finn. Despite the law's intentions, many dog handlers are expressing frustration over its implementation, citing lenient sentences that fail to deter offenders. PC Dave Wardell, Finn's handler, has publicly highlighted these issues, noting that the law is not functioning as intended and that the judicial system is not providing adequate protection for service animals.

Key takeaways

• Finn's Law increased maximum prison sentences for animal cruelty cases involving service animals to five years.
• PC Dave Wardell has received numerous reports from handlers about lenient sentences for those convicted of attacking service animals.
• Wardell's open letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions questions the law's application and effectiveness.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the introduction of Finn's Law in 2019, several key events have shaped the discussion around the protection of service animals:

• 2016: PC Dave Wardell and Finn are attacked during a police intervention in Stevenage, resulting in Finn sustaining life-threatening injuries.
• 2017: Finn retires after recovering from his injuries and becomes a symbol for animal welfare law reform.
• 2019: Finn's Law is officially passed, increasing the maximum prison sentence for the most serious cases of animal cruelty to five years.
• 2023: Finn passes away at the age of 14, prompting renewed discussions about the law's effectiveness and a memorial is unveiled in his honour.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent comments from PC Dave Wardell have highlighted ongoing frustrations with Finn's Law. He has reported that approximately 20 dog handlers have reached out to him in the last 18 months, expressing disappointment over insufficient legal protections and inadequate sentencing outcomes for offenders attacking service animals.

What was already established

Finn's Law was created to strengthen legal protections for service animals in response to the attack on Finn. The law allowed for harsher penalties but has faced challenges in practical enforcement, with many handlers reporting that the sentences handed down by the judiciary are significantly less than expected.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The leniency of sentences for those who attack service animals raises concerns about the safety of these animals and the effectiveness of legal protections. Households relying on service dogs for assistance may feel less secure, knowing that offenders face minimal consequences.

Businesses and jobs

For police and emergency services, the inadequacies in the legal framework can impact morale among dog handlers and their teams. If service animals are not adequately protected, this may affect recruitment and retention of staff who rely on canine partners for their work.

Policy and regulation

There is an urgent call for a review of how Finn's Law is being applied, including potential revisions to sentencing guidelines to ensure that they reflect the severity of attacks on service animals. Stakeholders are advocating for more robust legal frameworks to support the rights and protection of these animals.

Numbers that matter

• 2019: The year Finn's Law was passed, allowing for a maximum sentence of five years for severe animal cruelty cases involving service animals.
• Approximately 20: The number of dog handlers PC Wardell has spoken to in the last 18 months who feel the law is not working effectively.
• 4–12 weeks: The range of sentences reported by Wardell for offenders convicted of attacking service animals, highlighting the perceived inadequacy of the judicial response.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Finn's Law: Officially known as the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, a law passed to protect service animals and increase penalties for cruelty.
• Crown Prosecution Service (CPS): The principal public agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders may push for discussions within the judicial system to address concerns regarding sentencing guidelines under Finn's Law. It may also prompt calls for parliamentary reviews or consultations regarding the law's effectiveness.

Medium term (1–6 months)

There may be movements towards legislative amendments if a significant number of cases continue to highlight the inadequacies of current penalties. Increased advocacy from police dog handlers and animal welfare organisations could influence future policy changes.

Signals to watch

• Monitoring of case outcomes involving service animals and any changes in sentencing guidelines.
• Responses from the government or CPS regarding potential amendments to Finn's Law.
• Public and media reactions to cases that highlight failures in the judicial system regarding service animals.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about developments related to Finn's Law and any changes in legal frameworks affecting service animals.
• Engage with local animal welfare groups to advocate for stronger protections for service animals.

Don’t

• Ignore cases of animal cruelty; report incidents to the appropriate authorities.
• Assume that current laws are sufficient without advocating for necessary changes.

Checklist

• Understand the provisions of Finn's Law and its intended protections for service animals.
• Know your rights as a handler or owner of a service animal.
• Familiarise yourself with the reporting process for animal cruelty cases.
• Engage in discussions with your local MP about animal protection legislation.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Finn's Law was designed to provide better protection for service animals, its effectiveness remains in question. The leniency of sentences may stem from various factors, including judicial discretion and existing sentencing guidelines. Stakeholders should be aware that any changes to the law or its application will require significant advocacy and public support.

Bottom line

Finn's Law was intended to enhance protections for service animals, but its implementation has been met with significant challenges. As demonstrated by the frustrations expressed by PC Dave Wardell and other handlers, there is a clear need for a reassessment of how the law is applied and the consequences for those who harm service animals. Continued advocacy for stronger legal protections is essential for ensuring the safety and welfare of these vital companions.

FAQs

What is Finn's Law?

Finn's Law, or the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, increases the maximum prison sentence for severe animal cruelty towards service animals to five years.

Why are handlers concerned about Finn's Law?

Handlers report difficulties in securing prosecutions and receiving lenient sentences for offenders, which undermines the intended protections of Finn's Law.

What can be done to improve the implementation of Finn's Law?

Advocacy for stronger sentencing guidelines and increased public awareness about the importance of protecting service animals can help improve the law's implementation.