NSW Police launch investigation after two police dogs die in Sydney

Two police dogs have died in mysterious circumstances, with an investigation now underway into the shocking loss.

Shock and sadness is rippling through the NSW Police after two police dogs were found dead in mysterious circumstances in Sydney’s south on Thursday.

The bodies of police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier were found in a NSW Police vehicle about 12.30pm after attending a command development day at a Lucas Heights facility with their handler.

“All handlers attended with their dogs in the airconditioned pods of their purpose-built police vehicles,” the police said on Thursday evening.

“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.”

NSW Police have launched an investigation into the loss, which will be overseen by detectives attached to Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services.

Police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier were both German Shepherds. Picture: Supplied

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb called the discovery a “very sad day” for the Dog Unit.

“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole 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 attached to the Newcastle and Central Coast Dog Unit.

DD Soldier, a German Shepherd, commenced service with 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 felt deeply by the police.

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

Originally published as NSW Police launch investigation after two police dogs die in Sydney