THIN BLUE PAW FOUNDATION STATEMENT REGARDING STABBING OF ON DUTY METROPOLITAN POLICE DOG KAISER

Issued on 1st June 2021

Dave Wardell, trustee of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation and owner of retired police dog Finn, who was stabbed while on duty in October 2016, said: “We were horrified to hear about the shocking attack on PD Kaiser and his handler; it just goes to show how brave our police officers and police dogs really are. We wish Kaiser and his handler a speedy recovery and we’re pleased to hear that their attacker is now receiving the treatment he needs.

“We launched the Thin Blue Paw Foundation last year to support, celebrate and protect working and retired police dogs, just like Finn and Kaiser. They are four-legged heroes who, like their handlers, put their lives on the line every day to enforce our laws and protect the public, and they deserve our respect.”  

Notes to editors: 

For journalists who would like further press information, images or interview requests please email press@thinbluepaw.org.uk. 

Please credit in full when referencing the charity name. Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales: 1190959. 

Police officer Dave Wardell and his retired police dog, Finn, launched the ‘Finn’s Law’ campaign - calling for better protection for service animals - after the 11-year-old German shepherd was stabbed in the line of duty. In October 2016, Finn was protecting Dave from a man wielding a knife when he was stabbed in the head and chest, and almost died. The duo then launched the campaign and, in June 2019, The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill was introduced.

About the Thin Blue Paw Foundation: 

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a national dog welfare charity which protects, celebrates and rehabilitates both serving and retired police dogs from across the United Kingdom. The Foundation was founded by a group of individuals who are passionate about improving the health and welfare of serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom. 

Many people are unaware that retired police dogs do not receive financial support in their retirement from the force they served with, meaning the responsibility for their care and vet bills fall solely to their ex-handler or new owner. Unable to get pet insurance due to their working life, many are left with ongoing vet bills which can amount to thousands. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation provides much needed financial support to over 200 unsung canine heroes and their owners to enable them to have a long and happy retirement.