Stabbing vests are provided for police dogs so they can be protected while working.
It happens after Derbyshire police witnessed one of its dog squad members, Axle, was stabbed three times while working in Riddings, where he was “almost killed.”
Before he could resume his duties for a year in 2018, the German shepherd also known as PD Axle required two urgent procedures that could have saved his life.
They will be protected by the canine stab jackets from blades and other potentially harmful objects like barbed wire.
The protective gear is light, includes cooling technology, and is pleasant for the canines to wear during demanding operations, according to the police.
PC Blaine Molloy said: ‘It’s not a nice decision to make, to send a dog after somebody, there is the potential that they are going to get injured or worse.
‘However, that is our role on dog section, to protect everybody else.
‘But we still need to protect our dogs as well so it does make you feel a lot better to know they have this protection now.’
Despite making a full recovery, the police dog resigned from service in November 2019.
Axle spent six years working for Derbyshire Constabulary, where he apprehended a number of offenders, including a murderer who was on the run, before abruptly announcing his retirement.
The PDSA also gave him a citation for his courage and devotion to duty after witnessing him plunge into some water after being stabbed three times by the suspect.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which provides financial assistance for retired police dogs’ medical expenses, is now supporting Axle.
At Derby Crown Court, Matthew Stretch was sentenced to six years and seven months in prison after admitting to hurting the police dog as well as numerous other offences.
Axle retired and moved to the country to live with Karen Pykett, a police community support officer.
Ms Pykett said: ‘He’s only ever known the working life and it’s been a huge change for him but he’s settling in well and he’s learned to trust us. We feel so lucky to have him, he’s our baby and we spoil him rotten!’
Shortly after she adopted him, Axle needed an operation, costing £1,000. his owner said: ‘We paid for it ourselves, we expected to. We knew taking on a big, retired dog wouldn’t be cheap. But when I heard that the Thin Blue Paw Foundation had launched we signed up straight away. It’s fantastic that it’s there if needed.
‘Thankfully we’ve not had to ask for anything yet, but that day may come and it gives us peace of mind. You know when you take these dogs on that there may well be problems because of their breed and the lives they’ve led; we knew we’d have to cover costs. But to have the charity there if something serious crops up is a huge comfort.
‘Everyone I speak to is surprised that Axle has no ongoing support. It’s unacceptable. Police officers get pensions; surely there could be something in place for the dogs too? They deserve to be looked after when they’ve given so much of their lives to us; working 12-hour shifts, six days or nights a week; it’s a hard life.
‘He has a much easier life now! The only downside to taking on an older dog is that you don’t get as long with them as you’d like. But we feel incredibly lucky to now call this hero our pet, and we’re enjoying every minute we have with him.’