A campaigner's fight to create more protection for police dogs from criminal acts and violence could force a debate in Parliament.
Police dogs should be recognised as serving members of the service so criminals face tougher punishments if they decide to attack the canines, a campaigner has said.
Dave Hibbert, who set up the Retired West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund, says offenders facing the minor charge of criminal damage for injuring police dogs is not good enough.
Mr Hibbert, who also walks the force’s puppies, has launched a government petition to afford the dogs greater protection in law – by creating a more serious criminal offence.
He said recognising the dogs as “serving members” of the service - as an extension to their officer handlers – would make criminals think twice about attacking them.
Mr Hibbert said: “Police dogs do a fantastic job protecting our communities and on a daily basis there are examples where dogs have tracked crime suspects, uncovered stolen property or sniffed out vital evidence.
“They are the first to be called in when dangerous situations occur and they often put themselves on the line to protect their fellow officers.
"However, despite the invaluable work police dogs do for their communities, in law they are only considered 'property'.
“At present an attack on a police dog would only be considered criminal damage which I don't think provides enough of a punishment or deterrent."
He continued: "One of my own puppies, Police Dog Usha, was once attacked with a glass bottle and there have been recent examples of other police dogs being assaulted by criminals.
“There seems to be a growing trend of attacks on police dogs (and horses) and I feel now is the time to push for a law change recognising the sterling work police dogs do for their communities.”
Mr Hibbert said 100,000 signatures were needed to bring the matter to parliament for discussion.
He added: "Assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, have been recognised as being an extension of the assisted person and I'm campaigning to see police dogs classed as representing an extension of their police handler.
"I need 100,000 names on the petition to officially get it raised in parliament – but even if I don't reach that target I'm hoping the campaign will generate enough support so that MPs take notice and will take our campaign further."
In September 2012, Gino, a West Midlands Police dog, was attacked, strangled with his own collar and even bitten by a violent car thief who had knocked down two pedestrians in Birmingham city centre.
He refused to be beaten though and dragged the man down as he tried to scale a six-foot fence. The dog also maintained his grip despite being repeatedly punched and kicked. The man was later jailed for aggravated vehicle taking - but there was no additional punishment for the attack on Gino.
Then in November, Fuzz, a Metropolitan Police dog, was struck with a metal bar by a robbery suspect wanted for stealing a moped. He kept hold of the man until he was arrested but was rushed for veterinary treatment to a cut eye and bleeding nose.
The online petition will be open until 28 November this year. Signatures so far total 9339. To sign please visit: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/57585
Article courtesy of Nic Brunetti- www.policeoracle.com
3 comments:
I personally would support this but Senior officers seem more intent on getting rid of Police Dogs rather than protecting them.
I fully support the above article and would urge everybody to sign the petition. At least you can guarantee loyalty and support from the dogs and there hasn't been too much of that lately from some quarters
I am alarmed about this blog, I thought if someone attacked a dog/horse it was being treated properly.
I totally agree with this, any assault on a dog/horse must be taken seriously.
I will sign the petition that's for sure.
Thankyou for bring it to our attention.
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