The South African Police Service has ordered an independent investigation into the death of police dog Sky, a Belgian Shepherd, who died after her front paw got entangled in the door of her kennel at the Roodeplaat K9 academy. The investigation will be conducted by the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID). Ian Cameron, DA-LP and chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police, welcomed IPID's decision, saying it is a step in the right direction to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
According to Cameron, Sky's death raises serious questions about the care, treatment, and protection of police dogs and horses at all police units. He said the investigation should help bring about lasting improvements. Sky had previously been diagnosed with separation anxiety and severe kennel anxiety. An internal investigation at the K9 academy is ongoing, while daily operations at the facility continue.
Maroela Media has learned that the facility at Roodeplaat is registered as a veterinary hospital and is required to provide a 24-hour service to police dogs in case of an emergency. However, it is only staffed from 07:30 to 16:00, leaving no personnel on site to handle emergencies after hours. Dogs that spend the night at the facility are only attended to the following morning.
In 2019, the South African Veterinary Council raised concerns about the facility's operations, including the lack of personnel after hours. The council recommended that the K9 academy's hospital not be registered as a veterinary hospital and required several corrective steps, including the appointment of two full-time veterinarians and the establishment of guidelines for the administration of scheduled medication.
The council also required that arrangements be made for the removal of carcasses and sharp waste, and that the condition of the indoor kennels be addressed. According to a reliable source, most of the problems identified by the council were initially addressed, but some standards have deteriorated over time.
Cameron said the incident highlights the need for improved care and management of police dogs. The investigation will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding Sky's death and identify any possible wrongdoing. No personnel have been held accountable for Sky's death so far.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with many calling for improved conditions and care for police dogs. The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Sky's death and potentially lead to changes in the way police dogs are cared for.
Key points
- The South African Police Service has ordered an independent investigation into the death of police dog Sky.
- The investigation aims to establish the circumstances surrounding Sky's death and identify any possible wrongdoing.
- The incident has raised concerns about the care, treatment, and protection of police dogs and horses at all police units.
