Merseyside has seen a landmark result following an attack on Merseyside Police Dog Deema and two officers in August 2019.



This is the first conviction in Merseyside under Finn’s Law.



On Tuesday, 26 November, 41-year-old David Bennett, of Livingston Avenue, Aigburth, was convicted on two charges for assaulting police officers and a further charge for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Bennett received an eight-week sentence consecutive to a 20-month sentence he is already serving for a separate assault case.



Finn’s Law was created under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in order to protect service animals from unnecessary suffering whilst on duty. It was passed in England and Wales in April of 2019 and came into effect in June 2019.



PD Deema is due to receive a commendation for her hard work.



Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "We are so proud of our police dogs and their handlers, and all the hard work they do to protect our communities.



"The commendation Deema will receive is so well deserved and we hope this will help people recognise all our dogs do to help prevent crime."



On behalf of the force, we'd like to give a big congratulations to the Police Dog Team!



You can keep track of all the incredible work done by our police dogs by following them @MerPolDogs on Twitter.