‘Make attacks on police dogs a new crime’
THUGS who attack police dogs or horses should be prosecuted under a dedicated law, the Tories have demanded.
Currently, there is no specific legislation to deal with an attack on service animals – even if it leads to their injury or death.
Those accused can only be prosecuted under a ‘patchwork of laws unfit for this purpose’, according to Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr.
He has launched a campaign calling on the Scottish Government to introduce tougher penalties for those found guilty of attacking police dogs and horses.
Mr Kerr is seeking a specific criminal offence of harming or killing an animal involved with the emergency services or military. Guide dogs and similar assistance animals could also be covered.
He said: ‘Service animals are highly trained members of Police Scotland and are repeatedly put in dangerous situations.
‘We ask them to work for us and risk their lives to keep us safe, yet the law does not fully protect them when they are hurt.
‘Introducing a criminal offence of causing injury to police animals will ensure criminals who attack them are dealt with effectively and deter further attacks
‘Ultimately, this gives service animals the legal protection they deserve and goes some small way to saying thank you for their dedicated service.’
Mr Kerr launched his campaign after visiting the police dog unit in Baluniefield, Dundee.
Chief Inspector Neil Anderson said: ‘Police Scotland cannot actively support any campaign to have laws created or amended. However, this does not prevent us from welcoming any potential legislation which can provide further support to our dogs and horses, particularly in areas beneficial to their welfare.’
The Scottish Government is preparing amendments to legislation to increase the maximum penalty for those found guilty of harming animals to five years.
A government spokesman said: ‘When sentencing, courts will take the full facts and circumstances into account, including if an animal that has been attacked is a service animal.’
Mr Kerr’s move follows a similar call south of the Border. PC Dave Wardell, a dog handler in Hertfordshire, has urged the UK Government to introduce a specific law.
His life was saved by dog Finn during an attempted arrest. But as Finn jumped in front of Mr Wardell, he was stabbed several times and required an operation.