Teenager detained for kicking West Yorkshire police dog in the face

PD Zero is now back to full strength, police said

A teenager who kicked a West Yorkshire Police dog in the face has been detained for 12 months.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, attacked PD Zero as he was arrested at a burglary in Halifax on July 11 2023.

At Bradford Youth Court last month he was convicted of charges including burglary and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and has now been handed a detention order.

Police said it was the force's first successful prosecution of its kind.

The teenager was also given a four-month youth referral order.

'Nasty attack'

Zero suffered injuries to her face during the attack and needed treatment.

Head of the force's dog section Ch Insp James Farrar said: "This was a nasty attack on one of our beloved police dogs which resulted in her needing treatment for injuries to her face.

"We take the welfare of our working animals very seriously and, as with our officers, none of them deserve to be assaulted in the line of duty. I'm pleased that the court has taken a dim view of this attack.

"PD Zero is now back to full strength and is due to take part in the Regional Police Dog trials later this year."