ANIMAL welfare campaigners have backed calls for a new criminal offence of causing injury to police dogs and horses.

Offenders who attack service animals can currently only be charged using a “patchwork” of laws many believe are unfit for purpose.

But calls are growing for new laws to be introduced aimed at specifically targeting those who harm or kill service animals – including guide dogs.

In recent years there has been a string of high-profile cases where police horses and dogs have been injured in the line of duty.

Most prominent was that of Newcastle United fan Barry Rogerson, 45, who was jailed in 2013 for punching a police horse and later pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

And the move in Scotland comes on the back of a similar campaign by PC Dave Wardell, who is pushing for changes to the law in England.

His police dog, Finn, was stabbed in the head and chest when the pair were chasing a robbery suspect in 2016.

PC Wardell credits the animal with saving his life after it blocked the knife attack – putting its own life on the line.

The officer has since been campaigning for “Finn’s Law” to create a specific offence for assaulting service animals.

Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr has launched a Scottish campaign to bring in new legislation to “adequately punish those who harm trained animals like dogs and horses who serve the police, fire service, military or other public services”.

He said: “Service animals are highly trained members of Police Scotland and are repeatedly put in dangerous situations.

“Police dogs and horses undergo extensive training. We ask them to work for us and risk their lives to keep us safe and yet the law does not fully protect them when they are hurt.

“Introducing a criminal offence of causing injury to police animals will ensure criminals who attack police animals are dealt with effectively, raise awareness of the severity of the crime and deter further attacks.

“Ultimately this gives service animals the legal protection they deserve and goes some, small way, to saying thank you for their dedicated service.”

Speaking about the moves south of the Border, PC Wardell said: “Isn’t it about time that these amazing animals are recognised for the incredibly important role they play in helping and protecting us? Isn’t it about time these animals were protected in law by having their own specific offence of assaulting them?”

It is not known how many police dogs and horses are injured every year in the line or duty, as figures are not recorded centrally.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said the charity would fully support efforts to introduce new laws.

He said: “Police dogs serve and protect the public and we believe any assault on them should attract the same penalties for attacking the handler.

“Indeed we would like to see this protection extended to cover all service animals, and we fully support this campaign.”

Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Neil Anderson said: “Police Scotland is not, and cannot, actively support any campaign to have laws created or amended, however this does not prevent us from welcoming any potential legislation which can provide further support to our officers, dogs, horses, or other specialist units in the future, particularly in areas beneficial to their welfare.”