The mysterious death of two German Shepherd police dogs has left the New South Wales Police Service in mourning and determined to investigate how they died.
The bodies of Police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier were found in a police vehicle on Thursday after attending a command development day with their handler at a Lucas Heights facility in Sydney’s south.
“All handlers attended with their dogs in the air-conditioned cabins of their specially designed police vehicles,” police said Thursday night.
‘At approximately 12:30, the manager carried out a routine check and found PD Xtra and DD Soldier deceased in the police vehicle.
“They were taken to a specialized veterinary clinic, but they could not be revived.”
NSW Police have launched an investigation into the loss, which will be monitored by detectives attached to Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services.
“Today is a very sad day for the Canine Unit and the thoughts of the entire police family are with them,” said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
The New South Wales Police Service is in mourning after two German Shepherd police dogs were found dead under mysterious circumstances in Sydney’s south on Thursday. stock image
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (pictured) said: “Today is a very sad day for the Canine Unit and the thoughts of the entire police family are with them.”
“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”
PD Xtra was accredited as a general purpose dog in July 2018 and attached to the Newcastle and Central Coast Canine Unit.
DD Soldier began serving in the Canine Unit in February 2024 for training and development.
Police transport and public safety commander deputy commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss of the dogs would be deeply felt by the force.
“Our focus is on the wellbeing of all staff involved with the ongoing support services made available to them,” he said.