Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs at Lucas Heights

An investigation is under way after two NSW Police dogs were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney’s south on Thursday.

An investigation is under way after two NSW Police dogs died in Sydney’s south on Thursday.

NSW Police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier were attending a command development day at a Lucas Heights facility.

All handlers attended with their dogs in airconditioned pods of their purpose-built police vehicles.

About 12.30pm, the handler conducted a routine check, finding Xtra and Soldier dead in the vehicle. They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

Xtra and another police dog were found dead in a car. Picture: NSW Police

Police Commissioner Karen Webb. Picture: John Appleyard

It will be overseen by detectives attached to Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services, NSW Police said in a statement.

Xtra, a german shepherd, was accredited as a general-purpose dog in July 2018 and was attached to the Newcastle/Central Coast Dog Unit.

Soldier, also a german shepherd, started service with the Dog Unit in February 2024 for training and development.

Staff of the Dog Unit will be supported in the wake of the loss. Picture: File

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Xtra and Soldier were highly trained and played a vital role in assisting officers in serving the community.

“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Ms Webb said.

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

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the losses would be felt deeply.

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

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