MP for Worcester Robin Walker was on the front bench in the Commons Chamber to show his support for a law change to more severely punish people who attack police animals.

The third reading of the bill to change to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, dubbed Finn’s Law, was watched by police dog Finn from the public gallery.

The, passed on its third reading, is the product of the Finn’s Law campaign, which sought to secure further protections for service animals.

The campaign was launched following the harrowing attack on PC David Wardell’s dog, Finn, who sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest while pursuing a criminal. The suspect was apprehended, but Finn was seriously

injured with both lungs punctured.

The suspect was eventually prosecuted, however the charges brought forward for the attack on Finn were limited to those of damaging police property, effectively reducing the severity and violence of the attack to the equivalent of damaging police equipment.

Commenting on Finn’s Law, Mr Walker said: "It is entirely right that the UK has a robust legal framework to tackle this behaviour in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal.

"I know that service animals, both dogs and horses, have been incredibly valuable in Worcester and having witnessed first-hand the bravery and discipline of these animals when on duty in the city last year I cannot welcome this legislation enough.

"I am happy to see the law finally reflect the value these animals have both on and off duty, and it was truly very special to see Finn in the chamber on Friday.

"These laws safeguard the rights of the courageous men, women and animals protecting public safety, and gives judges the power to hand down harsher sentences on those who abuse them.”

"I know this bill has been strongly supported by our Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.”

PC Dave Wardell, Finn’s Police Dog handler, said: “My boy Finn, now retired, was one of several thousand service animals that work to protect the whole of society 24 hours a day, every day. When Finn was seriously injured it didn’t seem right to me or the public that he was seen as an inanimate object/property, in law.”

This campaign and Bill is my way of saying thank you to Finn for saving my life and to the many others for the truly outstanding and brave work they do every day.”