Man Stabs Police Dog In Head As Officers Tried Arresting Him

A man stabbed a police dog in the head as the officers tried to arrest him in Staffordshire, England, on Monday afternoon.

Police reached the scene after receiving a report of a man armed with a knife. The dog, named Audi, was hurt as the officers tried to take the suspect into custody. An officer also suffered minor injuries during the incident. The dog was taken to a veterinary hospital where he was treated and listed stable.

"The police dog who was stabbed in Hanley earlier this afternoon, is now in a stable condition. PD Audi is a member of the Staffs Police family, we'll be monitoring his progress closely & keeping you updated. Thank you for all your well wishes for Audi & his handler,” Staffordshire Police tweeted.

Chief inspector Donna Harvey said, "Police dogs are our family, not property, and our thoughts are with the dog and his handler at this time.”

Meanwhile, the suspect was also receiving treatment at a hospital following a “medical emergency.”

The incident comes less than a month after the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, which makes it a specific offense to harm police dogs in the United Kingdom, came into force. The legislation is known as “Finn's Law” after a dog named Finn that was stabbed while pursuing a suspect.

Speaking about the law, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said, "This law is about giving our service animals the protection they deserve as they dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.” "I am committed to making the UK the best place in the world for the care and protection of animals. Congratulations to all those who have campaigned to make Finn’s Law a reality,” he added.