Mysterious death of two police dogs in Sydney after a training day sparks investigation

The mysterious deaths of two German Shepherd police dogs have left NSW police in mourning and determined to investigate how they died.

The bodies of Police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier were found in a police vehicle on Thursday after they attended a command development day with their handler at a Lucas Heights facility in Sydney’s south.

“All handlers were present with their dogs in the air-conditioned pods of their purpose-built police vehicles,” police said on Thursday evening.

‘Around 12.30 pm, the attendant conducted a routine check, during which PD Xtra and DD Soldier were found deceased in the police vehicle.

‘They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but could not be resuscitated.’

NSW Police have launched an investigation into the damage, which will be monitored by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services.

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

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (pictured) said: ‘Today is a very sad day for the dog unit and the thoughts of the entire police family are with them’

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

PD Xtra was accredited as a general purpose dog and added to the Newcastle and Central Coast Dog Unit in July 2018.

DD Soldier joined the Dog Unit in February 2024 for training and development.

Police, Transport and Public Safety Commander Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss of the dogs would be deeply felt by police.

“Our focus is on the wellbeing of all staff involved in the ongoing support services made available to them,” he said.