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First prosecution made under Finn’s Law
Finn’s Law recognises police dogs as public servants, rather than police property (Stock photo).

Man jailed for 21 months for attacks on police dog and officers

A man who stabbed a police dog in the head has become the first offender to be prosecuted under Finn’s Law.

Daniel O’Sullivan, 29, from Bowland Drive, Liverpool, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (5 August), where he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

O’Sullivan also pleaded guilty to five counts of assault and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was sentenced to 21 months, including three months for injuring a police dog.

This is the first prosecution made under the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, commonly known as Finn’s Law, which recognises police dogs as public servants, rather than police property.

Police dog Audi and his handler PC Karl Mander were injured after they responded to reports of a man with a knife on Town Road, Hanley, on 1 July 2019.

O’Sullivan was found holding a glass bottle in one hand, a knife in the other and was threatening to stab officers if they approached. After he refused to put down the knife, PC Mander deployed PD Audi. The dog was stabbed twice in the head and had to receive emergency medical treatment.

Another officer was kicked in the face and head and had a bottle thrown at him. O’Sullivan was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital by ambulance. Whilst in hospital he was aggressive and unpredictable to staff, spat at four officers and kicked one in the head.

Detective inspector Stephen Ward, from CID, said: “O'Sullivan presented a significant danger to anyone who was nearby and we cannot allow the public to be put at risk.

"He assaulted five officers, spitting at four of them, which is a degrading experience for the officers concerned and can present a health risk.

“O'Sullivan was out to seriously hurt PD Audi and it was lucky that he wasn't blinded or killed as a result of his injuries.”

Audi is said to have recovered well and is now back at work.

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.