Police Dog Found with Teeth Falling Out and Gaping Wounds, After Department Ignored Her Medical Needs

A five-year-old police dog named Sky has been euthanized in South Africa after her department refused to retire her, despite veterinarians diagnosing her with severe kennel stress and anxiety. In fact, she was so distressed that she tried multiple times to flee the police kennels, but staff kept preventing her from escaping.

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Veterinarians recommended that the police department retire her, but the brigadier in command ignored this. Multiple police officers expressed concern for her health and offered to bring the dog home with them, but they were also ignored.

Sky was used as an arson detection dog, but clearly this job - which she did not consent to - was deeply damaging to her. By the time she was euthanized, her teeth had fallen out, her leg was broken, and she had an open gaping wound as well. Staff kept her locked inside her small kennel for around 18 hours every day. Her injuries appear to have occurred inside the kennel, likely due to her distress.

Her injuries were severe enough that the department chose to euthanize her.

All of this could have been prevented if the brigadier in charge had just listened to veterinarians and the officers who wanted to take care of Sky. Authorities have said they are conducting an investigation and prepared to bring animal cruelty charges against department officials.

Sign the petition to demand accountability and a revamp of police K9 policies in South Africa!