Man Pleads Guilty After Brutal Attack on Police Dog in Merseyside

The Unstoppable Courage of PD Quga: Tales of Heroism and Resilience in the Line of Duty

A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after a vicious attack on police dog Quga (Merseyside Police) during a violent altercation in June during which PD Quga stepped in to protect her handler. Owen Rooney admitted the offence alongside charges of assaulting a police officer and drug-related offences. He will be sentenced in January 2025.

The incident occurred on 29 June 2024, when Rooney attacked PD Quga during an attempt by police to restrain him following a series of 999 calls reporting that Rooney was causing criminal damage. When PD Quga and her handler arrived on the scene, they came under attack from Rooney, who lashed out violently. In an act of extraordinary loyalty and determination, Quga sustained being kicked, strangled, and bitten while ensuring her handler's safety. Despite the injuries inflicted upon her, Quga played a pivotal role in subduing her attacker.

Merseyside Police Dogs praised Quga's bravery on social media shortly after the incident, describing her actions as exemplifying "the highest level of loyalty, determination, and courage". The post also highlighted the physical abuse Quga endured but commended her resilience and dedication to protecting her handler.

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Quga's Heroic Record

PD Quga's bravery is not limited to the June attack. On 6 July 2024, Quga was deployed to Sankey Valley Park in Haydock, where two men suspected of carrying knives were threatening members of the public. Using her exceptional tracking skills, Quga pursued the suspects through the woods and successfully located them, leading to their arrest.

Later, on 30 July 2024, Southport was marred by violent disorder, during which Quga and her fellow police dogs faced a barrage of bricks and projectiles. Amid the chaos, Quga demonstrated immense courage, assisting her colleagues despite sustaining burns to her back leg. Another police dog, Zoe, suffered a severe leg injury and was forced to retire.

Quga underwent a period of recovery and rehabilitation following the incident and was reunited with her handler on 3 September 2024. After receiving a clean bill of health from her veterinarian, she returned to active duty, a moment celebrated by her team and the wider emergency services community.

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Quga's valour was also evident after responding to a burglary on 26 April 2024 in Maghull. Quga and her handler arrived on the scene minutes after the 999 calls were made, apprehending a suspect seen escaping on a bike. The suspect was found in possession of stolen goods, including a Dewalt radio, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a blue Carrera mountain bike.

Legal Protection Under Finn's Law

Rooney's conviction falls under the protections provided by 'Finn's Law', officially known as the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019. The legislation was introduced to ensure harsher penalties for those who harm service animals, such as police dogs and horses, while they perform their duties. Named after police dog Finn, who was repeatedly stabbed while apprehending a robbery suspect in 2016, the Law closed a bizarre loophole that previously treated attacks on service animals as criminal damage. Finn's story sparked widespread support in the UK and further afield, resulting in the legislation's enactment.

PD Finn survived the attack and became a national symbol of bravery and resilience. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on 27 July 2023 at the age of 14. His legacy inspires the protection of brave and selfless service animals across the UK. Under Finn's Law, anyone convicted of attacking a service animal can face up to five years in prison for causing unnecessary suffering to a service animal.

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Police Dog Attacks in the UK

Against a worrying backdrop of a rise in violent crime in general, attacks on police dogs remain a significant issue in the UK. According to recent figures, more than 300 police dogs are assaulted each year. These incidents range from kicking and punching to the use of weapons, and many dogs suffer lasting physical or psychological injuries as a result. Finn's Law has provided a much-needed deterrent and a clear acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by these amazing and dedicated animals. But, of course, it will only act as a deterrent if decent sentences are handed down to the individuals who attack service animals. This is, of course, something that our team of reporters will be keeping an eye on.

Rooney's Upcoming Sentencing

Rooney's case underscores the importance of Finn's Law in holding violent and dangerous individuals accountable for harming service animals. His sentencing in January 2025 will be closely watched, as it will reflect the judiciary's commitment to upholding these protections. If you would like to be kept updated on this story about the sentencing of Rooney, then make sure you subscribe to this newsletter.

Merseyside Police Dogs also extended their thanks to the @K9Finn campaign, which has been instrumental in promoting awareness of Finn's Law and the welfare of service animals. "Well done Quga," they concluded, celebrating the bravery of their four-legged colleague.

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A Testament to Loyalty and Courage

Quga's actions during the June incident exemplify the courage and loyalty demonstrated by police dogs across the country. While she endured significant physical and emotional stress, her determination ensured the safety of her handler and his colleagues. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service animals and the need to safeguard their welfare through robust legal protections.

Demand Justice for Our Four-Legged Heroes: A Call for Stricter Penalties for Service Animal Assaults

In the heart of Merseyside, a tale of heroism and brutality unfolded when PD Quga, a dedicated police dog, faced a vicious attack while protecting her handler and his colleagues. This incident is not an isolated event but a grim reminder of the dangers our service animals confront daily. The time has come for us to stand up and demand tougher, unequivocal penalties for those who dare to assault these brave and highly dedicated animals. The Law must reflect the gravity of such acts, not just in principle but in practice.

Service animals, be they dogs or horses, are not mere tools of the police force; they are living beings that place their lives on the line, displaying loyalty and bravery that often surpass human counterparts. PD Quga's story is a testament to this. Attacked, kicked, and strangled, she continued to serve with undeterred focus, ensuring the safety of her handler. Yet, when it comes to the aftermath, the legal repercussions for her assailant, Owen Rooney, must not be lenient. It's an outrage that while we celebrate these animals' courage, we often fail to punish adequately those who harm them.