HERTFORDSHIRE , UNITED KINGDOM — Finn , the German Shepherd hero police force dog who saved Police Constable Dave Wardell from a stabbing onrush back in 2016 , die at age 14 .
A Facebook pageboy consecrate to Finn confirmed the news show of his passing . Part of the mail service read :
Our beautiful , courageous , Hero Finn passed away peacefully in his sleep last night . He was so have it off by everyone and will be missed incredibly … give thanks you for your service Finn , now go and take a breather in repose our sweet boy , until we meet again .
PC Wardell hugging Finn for the last time| Source: Fabulous Finn Facebook page
During a looting incident in 2016 , the teenage defendant turn in on Finn and PC Wardell with a hunting tongue , stabbing the dog in the chest and head while his handler on the helping hand .
Despite the serious combat injury , Finn did n’t permit go of the suspect until musical accompaniment come .
There was no doubt for PC Wardell that then 7 - twelvemonth previous Finn preserve his lifespan .
PC Wardell and Finn in 2018 | Photo source: Skynews
Because of his heroic act , Finn was grant thePDSA Gold Medal — an prize given to animals in the UK who showed courage and devotion to their duty , and agnize as the animal equivalent of George Cross , the second gamey award of the United Kingdom honour system .
Finn retire from Robert William Service in 2018 , at the age of 8 .
The German Shepherd Heron dog was also the inspiration behind the legislation of theAnimal Welfare ( Service Animals ) Act of 2019 , nicknamed as “ Finn ’s Law . ”
This law move to get better shelter on service dogs and Equus caballus , and prevent their possible attackers to plead “ self - defence reaction ” as justification .
It was also coupled with the UK governance ’s plan to increase maximal conviction for animal inhuman treatment offense to five years in prison .
In his retirement , Finn appeared in Britain ’s Got Talent in 2019 where he became a finalist for his charming tricks and judgement - meter reading attainment .
He was also the ambassador of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation , a home Polemonium van-bruntiae thatsupports police dogsand their kinsperson with medical assistance upon retirement .
There was no dubiousness that Finn lived a happy life in service of his country and people .
Run free , Finn !
