Pembrokeshire Assembly Members Angela Burns and Paul Davies recently welcomed pupils from Redhill Prep School, Haverfordwest to the National Assembly for Wales. The pupils visited Cardiff Bay as part of their on-going campaign to get backing for Finn’s Law, which provides greater protection for service animals.

In October 2017 police dog, Finn was stabbed multiple times along with his handler PC Waddell whilst attempting to apprehend a criminal. Miraculously, Finn made a full recovery within 11 weeks, but this is not the case across the nation. The current law means that the suspect was only charged with criminal damage to property, suggesting Finn was no more important than a scratched car or a broken window.

The Bill, which has just passed its second reading at Westminster, would result in greater punishment for purposely causing harm or killing a service animal. The campaign has the backing of local MP Stephen Crabb as well as many other senior politicians and charities. During their visit to the Assembly, the pupils met and discussed Finn’s Law with Angela and Paul and asked for their help to spread the message and push for progress with the bill. The Assembly Members agreed to write to the UK Justice Minister, David Gauke to request UK Government backing for the bill.

Following the visit, Angela Burns said “It was great to see the engagement that the pupils had on this matter and the way they were able to express to us their views about it. The issue of protecting service animals is an important one and the work these animals do is essential, but often over looked. I hope the children enjoyed their visit and from the detailed questions that they asked, I am sure we have some politicians in the making.”

Paul Davies added “I was impressed with the passion that Redhill pupils had for campaigning to get Finn’s Law passed. They have lobbied politicians both here and in Westminster and I’m confident that their voices will be listened to. Service animals such as Finn are a vital part of our emergency services and they deserve to be afforded greater protection in the eyes of the law.”