The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is set to open a criminal docket against South African Police Service (SAPS) officials over the death of police dog Sky. An investigation by the NSPCA found that Sky was kept in conditions that caused unnecessary suffering despite documented distress over several months. The case involves alleged contraventions of the Animals Protection Act.
Sky, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois, worked as an arson detection dog for SAPS before being found severely injured and covered in blood in her kennel at the SAPS Veterinary Hospital in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, on September 7. She was taken to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for emergency treatment but was euthanised on September 9 due to her deteriorating condition.
The NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit inspected the facility, met with SAPS, and reviewed Sky’s veterinary records, treatment history, and post-mortem report. The investigation found evidence that Sky was kept in conditions that caused unnecessary suffering, despite SAPS’s own records documenting risks to her welfare. Those records showed that Sky had been treated for wounds to her face and legs and for teeth torn from her jaw as early as March 2026.
Sky had a history of escaping from her kennel and repeatedly injuring herself while trying to escape. She was diagnosed with severe kennel stress and separation anxiety and given medication. However, by August, her records concluded that she had a poor prognosis within the SAPS environment, yet she remained there until she was found critically injured weeks later.
The post-mortem report found injuries to both front legs, widespread muscle damage, and evidence consistent with a prolonged period of physical exertion during a traumatic event. The report also found older stitched wounds, tooth wear inconsistent with her age, and changes to her adrenal glands indicative of chronic stress.
Senior Inspector de Klerk, manager of the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit, expressed concerns about the treatment of retired working dogs like Sky. De Klerk stated that Sky’s treatment raised questions about how working animals are dealt with when they can no longer perform their duties, adding that no working animal should ever be treated as an asset.
The NSPCA’s decision to open a criminal case was welcomed by Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police. Cameron had been pushing for accountability over Sky’s death and has also opened a criminal case, referring the matter to the South African Veterinary Council. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate and SAPS are also conducting investigations into Sky’s death.
Key points
- NSPCA to open criminal docket against SAPS officials over death of police dog Sky
- Sky's death raises concerns about treatment of retired working dogs
- Multiple investigations underway into Sky's death
