Police dog Zoltan is on the mend after being stabbed in the chest during an arrest in Stockton.

The four-year-old German shepherd needed emergency surgery after suffering a 6in wound in the attack on Wednesday of last week.

John McKenna, 39, of Russell Street, Stockton was hit by a baton round fired by police after he brandished two knives at officers in the street.

He appeared before Teesside magistrates on Friday, when he pleaded guilty to charges of affray, possessing two kitchen knives as offensive weapons, criminal damage and causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.

He was remanded in custody until he returns for sentencing at Teesside Crown Court.

A police spokesman said on Wednesday that Zoltan had been released from Copelands vets, in Ingleby Barwick, and was recovering at home with his handler, PC Andy Lawton.

The spokesman said: "We have had quite a number of get well cards and gifts of dog chews and bones sent in by well wishers."

One of the cards came from youngsters who attend the afternoon nursery sessions at Hartburn Primary School, in Stockton.

The children drew a picture and wrote: "Dear Zoltan, we think you are a very brave police dog and we hope you are feeling better."

PC Lawton and Zoltan were due to visit the nursery yesterday to say thank you in person.

Meanwhile, a former policeman has called for changes in the law to protect police dogs.

Dave Wheatcroft, 54, was discharged from Northumbria Police on medical grounds after being injured while trying to arrest a robber.

He said he was incensed that McKenna had only been charged with cruelty to an animal. He said he intended to contact his MP to have the law strengthened.