A POLICE dog handler who became a star on Britain’s Got Talent has had his animals seized after a probe was launched into illegal breeding.
PC David Wardell, 46, and Alsatian Finn won a legion of fans when they reached the final of the hit ITV talent show in 2019.
They were a hit both with the viewers and the judges thanks to their adorable mind-reading act.
On the show, PC Wardell told how Finn had been stabbed while chasing after a suspected armed robber three years before.
Hertfordshire Police have now removed two other dogs – a Springer Spaniel named Pearl and another Alsatian – from PC Wardell’s care.
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It is understood the probe, launched by the force’s Professional Standards Department, focuses on claims that one of the dogs had been used for breeding.
A police spokesman said: “The dogs in question are being looked after elsewhere.”
PC Wardell has been put on restricted duties.
Police dogs live with their handles due to the need of having to build a strong bond between the handler and the animal.
Finn, who has now retired, inspired a change in the law to protect dogs and horses thanks to his heroism and has remained with PC Wardell as a pet.
Speaking about Pearl, PC Wardell once said: “Her job is to search for illegal drugs, quantities of cash, guns and ammunition.
“On Pearl’s first job on her first day of duty, she successfully located a large haul of class A drugs worth thousands of pounds, as well as a large sum of cash.”
PC Wardell runs a charity, The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, along with his wife, Gemma.
The charity was founded to “protect, celebrate and rehabilitate both serving and retired police dogs”.
During Britain’s Got Talent, a video was shown detailing Finn’s remarkable story and highlighted the injuries he suffered in the line of duty, along with his recovery.
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Having joined the pair on stage to help with a trick, Simon Cowell told the cop: “When I hear about animal cruelty, especially dogs, it upsets me.
“A dog will literally give up its life for you. Finn is beautiful, I love him.”
Finn suffered terrible injuries in the attack and nearly died after the blade missed his heart by millimetres in the attack in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
The Alsatian bravely held on to the attacker until back-up could arrive to arrest the man.
The attack was considered as criminal damage to property in the eyes of the law.
PC Wardell then campaigned for greater protection for service animals and the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act, aka Finn’s Law came into force in June 2019.
It is aimed at preventing anyone who attacks or injures a service animal from claiming it was self-defence.
PC Wardell said at the time: “There isn’t a bigger stage than Britain’s Got Talent. If I can tell Finn’s story, showcase service animals and talk about Finn’s Law, then I’ve already won.”
Hertfordshire Police said: “We can confirm that the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department is currently investigating an officer’s conduct with regards to police dog welfare issues.
“The officer is not suspended, but is on restricted duties.
“At this stage, of the investigation, we are unable to comment further.”
The Sun Online had contacted ITV for comment.
