Bert the police dog who took part in Queen's funeral and once sniffed out £250,000 of cash in single search dies in car crash

Daily Mail​

19-07-2025

A police dog who was involved in Queen Elizabeth II 's funeral and once sniffed out £250,000 of cash in a single search has tragically died following a car crash.
PD Bert, a five-year-old springer spaniel, was involved in a collision with a BMW on Stockton Street, Hartlepool at around 9pm on Thursday, July 17.
Belonging to Cleveland Police, Bert had been in a Dog Support Unit vehicle alongside another police dog and an officer when the fatal incident occurred.
While both dogs were immediately rushed to a veterinary clinic for assessment, Bert was later 'humanely put to sleep' due to his severe injuries.
The other canine involved was found to be uninjured, while the officer in the vehicle sustained 'minor injuries'.
Following the collision, a 33-year-old man was arrested and later charged with drunk driving.
He has since been bailed and is set to appear at Teeside Magistrates' Court on August 1, 2025.
Cleveland Police said that enquiries currently remain ongoing as the force 'continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the collision'.
PD Bert, who had been working with Cleveland Police for more than three years prior to the incident, had used his specialist skillset to search for drugs, cash and firearms.
During his years in service, he once located up to £250,000 in cash in just one search alone.
The beloved dog was also deployed to assist in the funeral of the late Queen in September 2022.
Held at London's Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, September 14, the service was attended by nearly every notable world leader, from US President Joe Biden to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Also present were kings and queens of Europe's royal houses, as well as those from further afield.
They were joined by several hundred ordinary Britons selected by Queen Elizabeth II for their contribution to society.
It came 11 days after the late monarch's death on September 8 2022, aged 96.
Huge crowds filled the Mall, Whitehall and Parliament Square to bid farewell to the late Queen as her coffin was carried from the Abbey on a gun carriage dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria.
An estimated two million well-wishers then lined the streets to say farewell, with showers of bouquets greeting her hearse as it drove from West London to Berkshire.
The coffin was then driven to Windsor where thousands were waiting to pay their respects as it was carried along the Long Walk to the Castle and St George's Chapel, where she was then buried alongside the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Watched by more than half of Brits at some stage, the BBC said that 32.5million tuned into its coverage of the service AT Westminster Abbey, while 26.2million watched her memorial service on TV in Britain.
PD Bert's death comes as a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and animal cruelty after a police dog died while chasing him into a lake last July.
Officers were called to Watermead Park in Birstall, Leicestershire, following reports a wanted suspect may have been in the area on Wednesday, July 3.
A police dog was also deployed to assist with the search and when the man ran off from officers and entered the water, he was followed by Police Dog Zyla.
Leicestershire Police said the dog then became unresponsive and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed he has sadly died.
The suspect was located elsewhere in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Paying tribute to PD Zyla, Chief Constable Rob Nixon said she 'will always be remembered for her bravery and service'.
He added: 'Our police dogs are an integral part of Team Leicestershire playing a crucial critical role in some of our most dangerous operations.
'Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery, her dedication and her service.
'I know many across force are deeply saddened by the loss of PD Zyla and I share in this sorrow.
'My thoughts remain with Zyla's handler and all those who have been impacted.
'We continue to provide full welfare support to all those in force who have been affected.
'Yesterday's events are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with policing and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the officers who assisted during the incident.
'Your bravery and professionalism in the face of such an incident are commendable.
'I would also like to thank members of the public for your kind messages which we have received, including the messages of support for PD Zyla's handler.
'This is truly appreciated by us all.'