In 2022, Hertfordshire Police instigated a disciplinary investigation into claims that PC Dave Wardell was using one of his dogs for breeding purposes. Dave was put on restricted duties and had his beloved dogs Hero and Pearl taken off him.

On the 01/11/23, Herts Police concluded their investigation and have rightly determined that there is no case to answer regarding any of the allegations, including animal welfare concerns, and/or misconduct. This outcome is testament to Dave’s characters, as an honest, hardworking, and dog loving individual.

Dave has only just learnt that PD Pearl was retired, developed cancer and has died. Nobody told me from Hertfordshire Police had the decency to let Dave know.

In August, Dave decided that as proud he has been to be a police officer for more than 20 years, he could no longer trust a very small group of very powerful uncontrolled colleagues. Dave is very distraught to effectively have been hounded out of policing and punished by having his dogs ripped away from him.

By taking early retirement Dave has effectively lost £150,000 in pension and future earnings.

I have had the utmost pleasure in meeting Dave and Finn on several occasions at the annual PupAid events. He is a wonderful person and I think he deserves our support. Following the incident when his Police Dog Finn was repeatedly stabbed whilst trying to protect Dave, Dave set about changing the law to recognise service animals as living creatures as opposed to property. Thus, the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill, known as 'Finn's Law', came into legislation. It will prevent those who attack or injure service animals from claiming self-defense.

Dave was also instrumental in setting up The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a national charity set up to support serving and retired police dogs

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