AVON and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting a petition calling for police dogs to receive more protection.

PCC Sue Mountstevens signed an e-petition asking the Ministry of Justice to create a new law protecting police dogs against attacks.

Currently an assault against a police dog is treated as criminal damage; however the new law would see police dogs receive the same protection in law as a police officer.

PCC Mountstevens said: “Police dogs are a valuable asset to the forces they serve and an extension of the handlers who work with and care for them daily and I believe it is therefore only right that they receive the same rights as the officers they work alongside.

“Animal or officer, both deserve the appropriate protection when subjected to personal attack and violence and this currently isn't the case. I would strongly urge others to sign the petition to support the legal protection of police dogs from harm.”

Over 9000 people have already signed the petition. Visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/57585 The closing date is November 28, 2014.