Outrage after SAPS arson-detection dog Sky dies in questionable circumstances

Sky, a Belgian shepherd who served as an arson-detection dog for the South African Police Service (Saps), has died in what officials and animal welfare groups describe as questionable circumstances after being treated at the Roodeplaat Veterinary Hospital earlier this week.

National outcry and welfare body response

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said it would “leave no stone unturned” after Sky was found with severe injuries at a Saps facility. “We’ve seen the photos and they’re hard to look at. We will assess the matter in terms of the Animals Protection Act,” the NSPCA said.

Saps statement and euthanasia

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed a decision to euthanise Sky after she sustained severe injuries and said:

“We mourn the loss of a valued member of the Saps family.”

Internal probe and political pressure

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane appointed a senior officer to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sky’s injuries. Dimpane said Sky was no longer an operational K9 and had a history of escaping from the kennels at her previous K9 base in Limpopo.

Ian Cameron, chair of the portfolio committee on police, wrote to Dimpane requesting the immediate identification of the investigating officer, confirmation that all evidence has been secured and details of precautionary action taken against implicated officials. Cameron said the police statement was “deeply hypocritical” and stressed that sympathy could not substitute for accountability.

Concerns over kennelling and oversight

Cameron noted that police veterinary records documented Sky’s severe kennel stress, repeated injuries and the risk of leaving her unattended. He said photographs show the small indoor kennel where Sky was confined and that members had requested she be allowed to stay at a suitable home while administrative arrangements were completed, a request he said was allegedly not escalated.

Criminal and independent investigations sought

Cameron has opened a criminal case and requested that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate consider a probe into Sky’s death.

What remains to be established

Officials and the NSPCA have signalled further action while the inquiry continues. The Saps has expressed mourning for Sky and the matter is now subject to investigations both inside the police service and through external channels requested by oversight bodies.