Update after two police dogs found dead

Shock and sadness have gripped NSW Police after two police dogs were found dead in a car in Sydney’s south on Thursday.

The bodies of police dog Xtra and test dog Soldier were found in a NSW Police car about 12.30pm on Thursday after they and their handler attended a team development day at the Lucas Heights facility.

Police now believe the death was caused by a “technical issue”.

Speaking on ABC Radio Sydney on Friday morning, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the dogs were “two valued members of our organisation”.

“We are all devastated,” she said, adding that a “priority” investigation was underway to determine the cause of death.

It is understood the two dogs were “trained” before their deaths and underwent a routine check at 12.30pm before their bodies were discovered. The dogs were taken to a specialized veterinary clinic, but they could not be revived.

Although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Ms Webb said it was likely there was a fault in the specially made air conditioning units inside the car, which had been “running for several months”.

“What we do know is that we suspect a technical problem and not human error,” she said, adding that the investigation “will look to see if that’s the problem and why this actually happened, because it didn’t happen at all.” it had to happen.”

Ms Webb called the discovery a “very sad day” for the dog unit.

“The thoughts of the entire police family are with them,” she said. “We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”

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

DD Soldier, a German Shepherd, began serving in the canine unit in February 2024 for training and development.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss of the dogs would deeply affect police.

“Our focus is on the well-being of all employees involved in the ongoing support provided to them,” he said.