I'm just wondering how highly UK police dogs are 'ranked' within the police force.

A little while ago I learned that in the US, police dogs are actually Police officers, (same with FBI dogs are Federal Agents etc)... so therefore if one was to have a disagreement and injure/kill a police dog, you'd actually be charged with killing a police officer - therefore carrying a far greater punishment.

I'm wondering if the UK has a similar thing or whether police dogs are just 'equipment' as far as the law is concerned.

Of course I'm sure any injury to any officers dog would come with it's accidental injuries, but as far as the law is concerned I'm just wondering whats what?

Also, what are peoples views on the topic? Should they be viewed by the law as an officer?

yeah i say why not view them as a police officer might actually make scumbags think twice about injuring one or even killing one so im all for that.

UK Police dogs are officially considered as a Police asset but I am yet to encounter any Officers that consider the dogs as anything other than part of the team.

Any dogs that may die in service get full honours due a colleague.

I've had my dogs from pups and have nurtured, trained and cared for them and see them as a part of my family.

When they retire I will give them a home for life and they will want for nothing.

I think it's sort of a shame they're classed as assets. Everything I've seen with policemen/women and their dogs is contrary to that. They're definitely treated like a partner. I'd love to see them 'upgraded' therefore carrying a more severe penalty if one was to injure/kill one (purposely). How long do they stay in service? Is there an age or is it just until they start to flag a bit more? Also does it depend on the type of dog? I can see if Jed is a nose on legs then he'd perhaps have a longer working life?

Sent via carrier pigeon using Ford OC

New offence for attacking police dogs proposed

Campaigner’s fight to create more protection for police dogs could force debate in Parliament

Police dogs should be recognised as serving members of the service so criminals face tougher punishments if they decide to attack the canines, a campaigner has said.

Dave Hibbert, who set up the Retired West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund, says offenders facing the minor charge of criminal damage for injuring police dogs is not good enough.

Mr Hibbert, who also walks the force’s puppies, has launched a government petition to afford the dogs greater protection in law – by creating a more serious criminal offence.

He said recognising the dogs as “serving members” of the service - as an extension to their officer handlers – would make criminals think twice about attacking them.

Mr Hibbert said: “Police dogs do a fantastic job protecting our communities and on a daily basis there are examples where dogs have tracked crime suspects, uncovered stolen property or sniffed out vital evidence.

“They are the first to be called in when dangerous situations occur and they often put themselves on the line to protect their fellow officers.

"However, despite the invaluable work police dogs do for their communities, in law they are only considered 'property'.

“At present an attack on a police dog would only be considered criminal damage which I don't think provides enough of a punishment or deterrent."

He continued: "One of my own puppies, Police Dog Usha, was once attacked with a glass bottle and there have been recent examples of other police dogs being assaulted by criminals.

“There seems to be a growing trend of attacks on police dogs (and horses) and I feel now is the time to push for a law change recognising the sterling work police dogs do for their communities.”

Mr Hibbert said 100,000 signatures were needed to bring the matter to parliament for discussion.

He added: "Assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, have been recognised as being an extension of the assisted person and I'm campaigning to see police dogs classed as representing an extension of their police handler.

"I need 100,000 names on the petition to officially get it raised in parliament – but even if I don't reach that target I'm hoping the campaign will generate enough support so that MPs take notice and will take our campaign further."

In September 2012, Gino, a West Midlands Police dog, was attacked, strangled with his own collar and even bitten by a violent car thief who had knocked down two pedestrians in Birmingham city centre.

He refused to be beaten though and dragged the man down as he tried to scale a six-foot fence. The dog also maintained his grip despite being repeatedly punched and kicked. The man was later jailed for aggravated vehicle taking - but there was no additional punishment for the attack on Gino.

Then in November, Fuzz, a Metropolitan Police dog, was struck with a metal bar by a robbery suspect wanted for stealing a moped. He kept hold of the man until he was arrested but was rushed for veterinary treatment to a cut eye and bleeding nose.

The online petition will be open until 28 November this year.

(Article from Police Oracle)

Got a link to the petition? I'll gladly sign that!

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/57585

Thanks for the link Clive. I will be signing that.

I support The Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund. So often the forgotten hero's. Never forgotten by their handlers I should add.

Very kind.

Police dogs should be covered by specific laws.

The more signatures the merrier.