Major police blunder that caused the death of two German Shepherds in Sydney is revealed

The death of two German Shepherds in a police vehicle was reportedly caused by a ‘technical problem’ with purpose-built air conditioners.

The bodies of police dog Xtra and developmental dog Soldier were found in the NSW police vehicle about 12.30pm on Thursday after attending a command development day at a Lucas Heights facility with their handler.

It is understood the two dogs were ‘exercised’ before their deaths and underwent a routine check at 12.30pm before their bodies were discovered. The dogs were taken to the specialized veterinary clinic, but could not be resuscitated.

While the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told ABC Radio Sydney it was likely due to a “technical issue” with purpose-built air conditioner pods that had been in use for “a few months”.

“What we do know is that we suspect a technical problem and that there is no human error,” she said, adding that the investigation will “see whether that is the problem and why that in fact happened, because that is not the intention at all,” she said. on Friday.

Ms Webb called the discovery a ‘very sad day’ for the canine unit and described Xtra and Soldier as ‘two valuable members of our organisation’.

“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 recognized as a general purpose dog and added to the Newcastle and Central Coast Dog Unit in July 2018.

The bodies of police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier (pictured) were found in a NSW police vehicle about 12.30pm on Thursday

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

Deputy 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.