Burnham-On-Sea residents could soon see police dogs dressed in body armour as part of a trial to protect the animals’ safety on the job.
Animals in the Police force’s firearms support team are taking part in the pilot, which sees them wear vests featuring a blue flashing strobe light.
It comes after a police dog was stabbed in Hertfordshire in 2016 and in advance of a parliamentary debate next week calling for better protection for service dogs.
Dogs inspector Shane Hawkings said: “We’re currently trialling different types of body armour for our tactical firearms support dogs.”
“Choosing this equipment is a balancing act between making sure they are safe, while ensuring they’re still able to do their job effectively.”
The Service Animals (Offences) Bill aims to broaden sentencing powers when a service animal is injured.
‘Finn’s law’ was introduced after police dog Finn needed surgery after being stabbed with a 10-inch knife while chasing a suspect in October 2016.
