WHAT IS FINN’S LAW?

POLICE DOG FINN MEMORIAL

We are a national charity supporting, rehabilitating, protecting and celebrating serving and retired police dogs from across the United Kingdom. We are also passionate about protecting police dogs and working to improve their welfare and celebrate their commitment.

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THE POLICE DOG WHO CHANGED THE LAW, GIVING GREATER PROTECTION TO ALL SERVING POLICE DOGS ACROSS THE UNITED KINGDOM

German Shepherd Finn spent seven years working as a general purpose police dog with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire joint police dog unit.

He was just nine-months-old when he joined the force and was partnered with PC Dave Wardell, one of our co-founders and trustees.

In October 2016, Finn was stabbed twice in the head and chest with a 10in hunting knife as he jumped in front of Dave when an armed robber lunged at him.

He almost died but, after emergency life-saving surgery, he survived. He later returned to active duty, retiring the following year at the age of eight.

FINN’S LAW CAMPAIGN

When Finn’s attacker was sentenced for criminal damage, Dave was horrified and launched Finn’s Law; a campaign that called for all service animals to be better protected by law.

Dave and Finn campaigned relentlessly, getting MPs and celebrities on board, as well as appearing on Britain’s Got Talent to promote the campaign.

It was all worth it when The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill received Royal Assent by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in May 2019, and was introduced into law the following month. It makes it an offence to attack or injure a service animal and prevents claims of self-defence.

The duo then turned their attention to Finn’s Law Part 2; supporting calls for tougher sentencing under the Animal Welfare Act for anyone who abuses animals.

WATCH FINN ON BGT

DEATH OF POLICE DOG FINN

RPD Finn became our official ambassa-dog for our Foundation in his retirement, and helped to raise awareness of our work. Sadly, after a period of deteriorating health, Finn passed away in his sleep at home in July 2023 at the age of 14.

To honour Finn’s extraordinary life and lasting legacy, we launched a fundraiser to commission a memorial statue, not only in tribute to Finn, but to recognise the courage and service of all police dogs, past and present. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, we raised over £49,000 in just a few days.

police dog finn memorial

On Sunday 27th July 2025, exactly two years after his passing, the Police Dog Finn Memorial was officially unveiled in a heartfelt ceremony at Layston Gardens, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, the town and county Finn proudly called home.

Sculpted by renowned artist Suzie Marsh, the memorial stands as a powerful tribute to PD Finn and to all police dogs who serve and protect their communities with unwavering loyalty and courage.

Thanks to the goodwill of the people involved, many of whom provided their services at cost or at a significantly reduced rate, we were delighted to share that £29,000 of the funds raised in the memorial fundraiser was able to be redirected towards our Foundation’s core charitable aims, continuing Finn’s legacy.

BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

MORE BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

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Help us with the costs to rehabilitate heroic retired police dogs once they leave the line of duty by sponsoring a dog to support their ongoing care and treatment.

Your sponsorship pack will include:

  • Sponsorship certificate
  • Photo of your sponsor dog
  • A cuddly German Shepherd teddy
  • Quarterly email updates on your sponsor dog
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