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Daily Record
11-05-2025
- Daily Record
Top cops face whitewash claims over police dog death probe
The force previously asked an inspector who authorised the young dog's euthanasia to review the case. Police chiefs are being urged to allow an external body to review the death of a young dog after previously giving the task to the officer who permitted her to be put down. Two and a half year old German Shepherd PD Zara was euthanised in December 2024 after being hit by a car while on a walk with her handler near Inverness. Despite a vet saying the dog had a 'great prognosis' if she received a £12,000 surgery, a force inspector decided she should be put down less than 48 hours after the accident. Sources with knowledge of the incident claimed the decision was made due to costs, which the force denies and has insisted it was about Zara's welfare. After campaigners raised concerns about Zara's death Police Scotland chiefs said they had conducted an internal review of the case. It has now emerged it was done by the same inspector who gave the go-ahead for the animal to be put down, prompting fears of a conflict of interest and claims of a cover-up. Douglas Ross, Conservative MSP for the Highlands said the only way to find out what happened to Zara was for a 'fully independent review' to be carried out. He said: 'The Chief Constable must step-up and order this independent investigation because everything the force have done so far seems aimed at burying the truth rather than bringing the full facts out in the open. 'The inspector who was involved in the decision to put Zara down should never have been asked to carry out the review. 'Their only involvement should have been to answer questions. 'If we are to get the answers surrounding the tragic death of Police Dog Zara then a fully independent review must urgently be carried out.' Police Scotland have refused to say what the review found but have now instructed a new investigation headed up by staff who had no involvement in her care. Charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which helps rehome and care for retired police dogs, has also called for transparency. Trustee Dave Wardell said: 'Upon the Foundation's request to Police Scotland in February for an independent investigation into the death of PD Zara it was extremely disappointing to learn that the investigation was assigned to the same Inspector who made the decision to euthanise Zara. 'We are therefore encouraging Police Scotland to do the right thing and commission a truly independent investigation into her death to ensure that an incident like this never happens again.' 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.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
STV News
08-05-2025
- STV News
Review launched after decision to put 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. Thin Blue Paw Police Scotland says they are reviewing their processes following the death. 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'. Thin Blue Paw The Thin Blue Paw foundation criticised the decision to put PD Zara to sleep. 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
