An investigation is underway after two NSW Police dogs died in Sydney’s south.

Today (Thursday 31 October 2024), Police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier and their handler attended a command development day at a Lucas Heights facility.

All handlers attended with their dogs in the air-conditioned pods of their purpose-built police vehicles.

About 12.30pm, the handler conducted a routine check, finding PD Xtra and DD Soldier deceased in the police vehicle. 

They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived.

An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will be overseen by detectives attached to Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services.

PD Xtra, a German Shepherd, was accredited as a general-purpose dog in July 2018 and was attached to the Newcastle/Central Coast Dog Unit. 

DD Soldier, a German Shepherd, commenced service with the Dog Unit in February 2024 for training and development.

Commissioner Karen Webb APM said PD Xtra and DD Soldier were highly trained and played a vital role in assisting officers in serving the community.

“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit, and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Commissioner Webb said.

“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, Commander of the Police Transport and Public Safety Command said this loss will be felt deeply by the command.

“Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them,” Assistant Commissioner Hegarty said.