Finn, the dog from Britain’s Got Talent, dies
- German Shepherd Finn was involved in the near-fatal incident when he jumped between his handler PC Dave Wardell during a brutal knife attack.
- He did not release the attacker until reinforcements arrived to arrest him. The attack was considered criminal damage to property in the eyes of the law.
- After four hours of surgery, the experience led Dave to campaign for Finn’s Law after the attacker walked off the pitch with a minor penalty.
Finn, the dog from Britain’s Got Talent, has died at the age of 14.
The heroic German Shepherd, who was stabbed multiple times to save the life of his police owner, PC David Wardell, has passed away.
The Thin Paw Foundation, which is a national charity that supports retired and serving police dogs, announced the sad news on social media on Friday.
They shared a photo of the beloved canine and wrote: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our ambassador, retired police dog Finn at the age of 14.
“He leaves quite a legacy behind, having saved the life of his on-duty PC handler Dave Wardell, while he himself had been stabbed multiple times.
Sad news: Britain’s Got Talent dog Finn has died aged 14
Canine Icon: Heroic German Shepherd, Who Was Stabbed Multiple Times To Save The Life Of His Police Owner, PC David Wardell, Has Passed Away
Retire with pride: The Thin Paw Foundation, which is a national charity that supports retired and serving police dogs, announced the sad news on social media Friday.
“Following his recovery, Finn and Dave campaigned for Finn’s Law, which gave greater protections to service animals across the UK.
Our thoughts are with Finn’s family at this difficult time. Finn, your legacy will live on, you can retire with pride. RIP Finn, 2009-2023.’
Finn is nearly killed after the blade misses his heart by inches in the attack on Dave in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
He did not release the attacker until reinforcements arrived to arrest him. The attack was considered criminal damage to property in the eyes of the law.
PC Wardell campaigned for greater legal protection for service animals and the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act, known as Finn’s Law, went into action in June 2019 to prevent those who attack or injure animals of service claim it as self-defense.
A video featuring Finn’s story was shown on Britain’s Got Talent in 2019, which featured footage of the injuries he sustained and his brave recovery.
After joining Finn and Dave onstage for a stunt, an emotional Simon Cowell told the officer: “When I hear about cruelty to animals, especially dogs, it upsets me.” A dog will literally give its life for you. Finn is beautiful, I love him.’
At the time, he said: ‘There’s no bigger stage than Britain’s Got Talent. If I can tell Finn’s story, display service animals and talk about Finn’s Law, then I’ve already won.’
Hero: Finn was nearly killed after the blade missed his heart by inches in the attack on Dave in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. He did not release the assailant until reinforcements arrived to arrest him.
Shocking: The dog was near death when a 10-inch blade missed its heart during the gruesome attack.
