Boy convicted after attacking police dog in West Yorkshire first
The 17-year-old assaulted the dog whilst being arrested in Halifax
A 17-year-old boy has become the first person in West Yorkshire to be successfully convicted of assaulting a police dog.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was being arrested after being caught near the site of a burglary in Halifax on July 11th, 2023.
The boy from Calderdale had been seen running away from the shop that had been burgled on Market Street in the town.
As police officers gave chase to him, a member of West Yorkshire Police's Dog Section joined to find the youth.
After being found by responding officers, the team tried to apprehend the boy before eventually arresting him.
However, as he fought back against the force trying to bring him to the station, he kicked the dog - known as Zero - leaving her physically injured.
Following the incident, Zero - who is a German Shepherd - sustained injuries to her face and required treatment in order to recover.
The youth appeared at Bradford Youth Court on January 15, where he received a 12-month Detention Order as a result of assaulting the dog. As well as his detention, he was also given a four-month long youth referral order.
Police dogs are protected from abuse thanks to legislation passed in 2019 putting legal protection on service animals including guide dogs and police animals including dogs and horses.
Speaking about the case, West Yorkshire Police's Dog Section head Chief Inspector James Farrar said that animal abuse of any kind is wrong.
"This was a nasty attack on one of our beloved police dogs which resulted in her needing treatment for injuries to her face," he explained.
“We take the welfare of our working animals very seriously and, as with our officers, none of them deserve to be assaulted in the line of duty. I’m pleased that the court has taken a dim view of this attack.
“PD Zero is now back to full strength and is due to take part in the Regional Police Dog trials later this year."