First conviction made under Finn's law in Merseyside

Merseyside has seen a landmark result following an attack on Merseyside Police Dog Deema and two officers in August 2019.

This is the first conviction in Merseyside under Finn’s Law, an amendment made to the Animal Welfare Act, that makes it illegal to harm service animals, that came into effect earlier this year.

The law was named after Police Dog Finn who was almost killed protecting his handler from a teenager with a knife.

On the 26 November, David Bennett, 41, was convicted on two charges for assaulting police officers and a further charge for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He was given an eight-week sentence consecutive to a 20-month sentence he is already serving.

PD Deema is due to receive a commendation for her hard work today.

Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "We are so proud of our police dogs and their handlers, and all the hard work they do to protect our communities.

"The commendation Deema will receive is so well deserved and we hope this will help people recognise all our dogs do to help prevent crime."

You can keep track of all the incredible work done by our police dogs by following them @MerPolDogs on Twitter.