Finn, the Poster Dog Who Touched Hearts
“A tale of bravery and triumph!”
In 2016, Police dog handler Dave Wardell and his loyal German Shepherd, Finn, faced a harrowing incident when they were attacked and stabbed while on duty. Finn sustained life-threatening injuries to his head and chest, and his recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Throughout his healing process, Finn’s dedicated handler, Dave, stood by his side, even sleeping beside him to provide comfort and support.
The story of Finn and Dave captivated audiences across the UK, and people rallied behind their fight for justice. Finn’s near-death experience sparked a campaign to introduce tougher laws in the UK to prosecute those who harm service animals. Dave and Finn made numerous public appearances, including on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, where they moved judge Simon Cowell to tears.
Their relentless efforts led to a significant amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, known as Finn’s Law. This amendment makes it harder for individuals who harm service animals to claim self-defense. More recently, another successful campaign resulted in an increased maximum sentence for animal cruelty, from six months to five years.
Finn’s bravery and resilience continue to inspire, and he has become an ambassador for The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which supports serving and retired police dogs. Despite the traumatic incident, Finn remains a beacon of hope and strength, reflecting the unwavering spirit of service animals.