A police dog that was stabbed with a 10-inch knife as he protected his handler is to be awarded the "George Cross for animals".

Finn, a German Shepherd, was stabbed twice with a hunting knife after grabbing the leg of a robbery suspect who was trying to jump over a fence.

His handler, PC Dave Wardell, says he's "bursting with pride that Finn is receiving this award".

He added: "He is my best friend and I owe him my life.

Image: Finn and his handler, PC Dave Wardell

PC Wardell was stabbed in the hand as he and Finn pursued the suspect in Stevenage in October 2016.


But the assailant was stopped from injuring PC Wardell more severely because Finn pulled him back until support arrived.

PC Wardell says both he and Finn suffered post-traumatic stress disorder afterwards.

The incident inspired the #FinnsLaw campaign, which is calling for greater protection for service animals.

A 16-year-old boy from London was found guilty of stabbing Finn and wounding PC Wardell last year.

Image: Finn has been described as a 'true gem and embodies everything that is special about police dogs'

Now retired from service, Finn will receive a gold medal from animal welfare charity PDSA in May.

Its director general, Jan McLoughlin, said Finn was an "extremely worthy recipient", adding: "Finn displayed outstanding devotion that night, both to his duties and to his handler."

PC Wardell said: "Finn's determination, even after he'd been seriously hurt, was absolutely faultless.

"He definitely saved my life that night and stopped an armed criminal from posing a threat to other officers or the public.

"He is a true gem and embodies everything that is special about police dogs in this country."