Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee is calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of police K9 dog Sky.
Sky was euthanised after sustaining severe injuries. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the decision was made on humane grounds after the dog’s injuries became unbearable.
“The decision to end her suffering was made on humane grounds, with her welfare and dignity at the forefront,” Mathe said.
However, Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron has raised questions about the circumstances that allegedly led to Sky’s injuries.
Cameron says a veterinary certificate showed that Sky had been diagnosed with severe kennel stress and anxiety in March, with a recommendation that she be boarded elsewhere.
He alleges that the process was delayed despite several police officers offering to take Sky home temporarily.
“The Brigadier in charge simply didn’t get through the process and didn’t sign off,” Cameron said.
He claims Sky was kept in the kennel for about 18 hours a day and suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg and an open fracture.
Cameron also says Sky’s teeth had fallen out and that she had previously attempted to escape from the kennels.
Police say they are aware of questions surrounding the circumstances that led to Sky’s injuries.
Mathe says an internal investigation is already under way and that the South African Police Service will allow the process to take its course.
The committee is calling for the circumstances surrounding Sky’s treatment and death to be thoroughly investigated.