New legislation aimed at protecting police dogs and horses will come into force in June 2019.

Last summer, Gloucester MP Richard Graham met Gloucestershire Constabulary's PC Claire Todd with Police dogs Quest and Stella as well as Police horses Boris and Teddington with police officers Paul Wilkins and Tracey Warburton.

They lobbied him on taking forward new legislation to help protect animals in service.

On April 8 2019 the so called 'Finn's Law' was given Royal Assent and the Act will come into force in June 2019. This means there is extra protection for police animals and tougher penalties against those who hurt them.

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, said: "I was struck by the importance of the relationship, and what serving animals contribute to good policing.

"I'm delighted there is now a law for all service animals, which are much more than police property".

PC Claire Todd said: "It is totally fantastic news that Finn's Law has been given Royal Assent to protect all our police dogs and horses, should they be attacked in the line of duty".

The original campaign, which gained huge support across the UK, was launched after a police dog named Finn was stabbed chasing a suspect in Hertfordshire. His handler PC Dave Wardell was also injured during the incident.