PD Axle jumping for joy over law change to protect police dogs
Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has reacted with delight to new legislation protecting service animals injured on duty.
The new law which allows police forces to prosecute those who cause unnecessary suffering to police dogs and horses while on duty has been given Royal Assent.
It was brought in response to the injury of Hertfordshire police dog Finn who was seriously injured while chasing a knife suspect. His handler was also injured during the incident.
News of its formalisation has been widely welcomed, especially in Derbyshire where serving police dog Axle was also stabbed on duty and received emergency treatment last year.
Mr Dhindsa said: “This is fantastic news and we are jumping for joy. Hardworking police dogs like Finn and Axle are finally being given the respect and protection they deserve in law thanks to the efforts of a great number of campaigners and we couldn’t be happier.
“I hope that Finn’s legacy will safeguard many more police dogs and service animals in the future and that this historic move serves as a deterrent to those intent on violence.”
The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill received widespread public and political support, reflecting the gravity of attacks on police dogs.
In addition to creating a new offence, it also advocates the broadening of sentencing powers in situations where a service animal is injured as a result of criminal activity to impose harsher penalties.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Ripley's zoo history brought to life in colourful new mural A colourful new mural celebrating Ripley's remarkable zoo history has transformed the back of the town's Town Hall. read more | |
| Belper hospital complex with potential for 70-plus homes heads to auction A substantial former historic hospital complex in Belper town centre, with potential for conversion to more read more | |
| Warning over scam callers in Amber Valley area Derbyshire Constabulary is reiterating its advice and support to residents following reports of scam calls across the county. read more | |
| The Power of Song - Belper Community Choir is on the Rise! The Belper Community Choir is hitting all the right notes this autumn as it continues to grow in confidence, and community read more | |
| Update On The Grammer, Heanor From Amber Valley Borough Council Keys were exchanged yesterday, Tuesday 15 September, between Amber Valley Borough Council and Derbyshire County Counc read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Pottery Close Halloween Event Taking a Break This Year The popular Halloween event at Pottery Close will not take place this year, as the organisers have not had enough time to prep read more | |
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
