The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019 came into force at midnight.
By virtue of the new Act, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 is amended to make it a specific offence to cause unnecessary suffering to a service animal. Until this point service animals were treated like any other property.
The new legislation applies to any animal being used for official duties, which is under the control of a police officer, any other officer with the powers of a constable (such as a public sector Prison Officer) or a prisoner custody officer.
It began life as a Private Member's Bill by the MP for North East Hertfordshire, Sir Oliver Heald.
One of Sir Oliver's constituents, PC Dave Wardell of Hertfordshire Police, campaigned tirelessly for this new legislation after his partner of five years, Police Dog Finn, was stabbed by a knife wielding robbery suspect.
Despite suffering horrific injuries Finn held on to the violent suspect until back up arrived. PC Wardell, who suffered a stab injury to his hand, has credited Finn with saving his life.
Finn has made a good recovery from his injuries. He is now retired from police duties and enjoys life at home with the Wardell family. Crime busting duo, Finn and Dave, featured in this year's series of Britain's Got Talent.
The maximum penalty for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, a summary offence contrary to section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, is 6 month's imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
As an animal lover I would fully support an increase in the maximum penalty available to the court.
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