Review launched after decision to put Dundee police dog to sleep despite 'great prognosis'

A review has been launched after a Dundee police dog was put to sleep despite vets giving her a “great prognosis”.

PD Zara was taken to the vet after she was struck by a car on Couper Angus Road in Kirkhill on December 11, 2024.

The then two-year-old German Shepherd suffered a number of injuries, including a fractured hip bone. Vets indicated the dog would need to have the joint “roughly reconstructed” or fully replaced.

The operation, which could be carried out in one or two stages, would’ve cost the force around £12,000.

During the days following the crash, Zara had walked outside and her condition was described as “comfortable” with reflexes present.

Police Scotland says they are reviewing their processes following the death. Thin Blue Paw

The report also stated on December 13 that her nerve function “seemed ok” and the prognosis was “great once recovered”.

A decision was later made to put Zara to sleep.

The Thin Blue Paw foundation, which is dedicated to police dogs, described the death of the young German Shepherd as a “tragedy”.

The charity criticised the force’s decision to euthanise the dog rather than authorise further CT scans.

Trustee, Dave Wardel, said: “Police Dog Zara’s independent veterinary report is clear. Her prognosis, as described by specialist veterinarians, was ‘great’, and following authorisation for further CT scans, Zara could and should have undergone surgery.

“The inspector of the dog unit failed to authorise these scans and instead authorised the euthanasia of Police Dog Zara. PD Zara’s death is a tragedy, and we are fully committed to holding Police Scotland to account to ensure this never happens again.

“Police dogs play an invaluable role within policing and should be provided with the highest level of welfare and care in their time of need”.

The Thin Blue Paw foundation criticised the decision to put PD Zara to sleep. Thin Blue Paw

Police Scotland has confirmed that they are reviewing their processes following the death. They have also welcomed the opportunity to speak to members of the Thin Blue Paw.

Chief superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “Police dogs are a hugely important part of our police family we are totally committed to animal welfare and looking after those in our service.

“We are reviewing our procedures to ensure that any learning from the death of PD Zara is captured and we would welcome the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation to listen to their concerns and discuss our approach to incidents such as this in the future.”