In South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the death of service dog Sky, who was euthanised on 9 September 2026 after suffering severe injuries while being kept at the SAPS veterinary hospital in Roodeplaat, Pretoria. The Belgian Shepherd served in the police for five years and was trained to detect fire accelerants. Daily Maverick reports.
Ian Cameron, chair of Parliament’s police committee, said Sky’s case was “unfortunately not isolated.” According to information provided to him, the dog was allegedly left unattended from 6 September until the following morning, when she was found with severe injuries. Cameron also said that Sky was allegedly kept for about 18 hours a day in a small enclosed kennel without windows.
Veterinarians’ warnings
An SAPS veterinary certificate dated 28 August 2026 recorded Sky’s severe stress caused by kennel confinement, repeated escape attempts and previous injuries. In March, the dog was treated for injuries to her muzzle, paws, jaw and teeth. While at the hospital, veterinarians observed recurring compulsive attempts by the animal to get out of the kennel, which caused her additional injuries.
Sky was diagnosed with separation anxiety and severe stress from kennel confinement, and was prescribed fluoxetine. The document described the prognosis for the dog under SAPS conditions as unfavourable and noted that her continued use by the police could harm the animal’s welfare.
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Criminal case and inspections
On 8 September, Cameron opened a criminal case at Paarl police station over a possible violation of the Animal Protection Act. He also contacted the acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane. According to the publication, Dimpane instructed a senior officer to investigate the incident.
Cameron referred the case to the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) and the South African Veterinary Council. A specialised NSPCA unit began examining the circumstances in which Sky was injured, as well as inspecting the entire facility. In addition, on 10 September, Cameron asked the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to consider a separate investigation into SAPS employees and officials.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the decision to euthanise Sky was made on humanitarian grounds because her injuries had become unbearable. She added that SAPS acknowledges there are serious questions about the circumstances of the dog’s injuries, and that an internal investigation is ongoing.
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