Monday 20th August 2018 PC Dave Wardell and RPD Finn attended a meeting with the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
We were delighted to receive the full backing of the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP to Sir Oliver’s Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill during the spring parliamentary term. The Bill has now passed 2nd Reading unopposed and will be heading to Committee when Parliament returns after the summer break.
It seems only fitting that RPD Finn was invited to meet Mr Gove and so it was definitely a case of Finn meet Michael;Michael meet Finn .
Following on from the meeting, many cuddles and possibly a biscuit or two later for Finn, it is fair to say that Mr Gove’s compassion and respect for animals was apparent. It was also evident that Mr Gove appreciates the vital role our service animals play in society and the lack of sufficient protection they receive under current legislation.
“Every day service animals dedicate their lives to keeping us safe, and they deserve strong protections in law. We shall continue to work with Sir Oliver Heald MP & the Finn’s Law campaign to achieve this ” Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.
We look forward to progressing Finn’s Law when Parliament returns and we are emboldened by the continuing strength of support the campaign enjoys. As Sir Oliver Heald said when he first presented the Bill to Westminster “It’s time for Finn’s Law!”