West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police at Pet Shop Melton Mowbray
POLICE DOG PETITION: A West Midlands Police puppy walker who set up a charity to support retired police dogs is lobbying the government for a law change to help protect police dogs in the line of duty.
Dave Hibbert – the man behind the Retired West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund – has launched an online Ministry of Justice petition which he hopes will persuade MPs to back his proposals to afford police dogs greater protection.
At present, anyone attacking or indeed killing a police dog can only face a charge of criminal damage – unlike in many American states where assaults on police dogs are treated the same as those on police officers.
Dave believes a new law recognising dogs as serving 'members' of the police force would make thugs think twice before lashing out and also secure stiffer punishments for offenders.
Dave Hibbert – the man behind the Retired West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund – has launched an online Ministry of Justice petition which he hopes will persuade MPs to back his proposals to afford police dogs greater protection.
At present, anyone attacking or indeed killing a police dog can only face a charge of criminal damage – unlike in many American states where assaults on police dogs are treated the same as those on police officers.
Dave believes a new law recognising dogs as serving 'members' of the police force would make thugs think twice before lashing out and also secure stiffer punishments for offenders.
Leicestershire Police Dog Handler All Saints Church Oakham Rutland
To sign the online petition visit:http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/57585
Dave 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.
"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.
"We need 100,000 signatures in order to bring the matter to parliament for discussion – so I'd be very grateful if people could click on the link and support our bid."
Leicestershire Police Dog Unit Granby Street Leicester
