Update following the death of Police Dog Zara
On 11 December 2024 Police Dog Zara, a 2-year-old German Shephard Police Dog was struck by a car while being exercised off-duty. She sustained serious injuries and received veterinary care; sadly however the decision was made to euthanise her.
A review within Police Scotland has now been undertaken and it has been confirmed that the actions taken in relation to Police Dog Zara were in keeping with relevant policies. It has also been recognised that record keeping could be improved and that there is now scope to update our policies, considering developments at a UK level.
Retrospective assessment of the process applied does suggest that whilst the financial element involved was a factor it was not a primary driver, with a key finding being that all involved did seek to act in the best interests of PD Zara.
We recognise the public upset in relation to the death of Police Dog Zara, as well as the impact on staff wellbeing. We also recognise that we could have been more transparent in relation to the circumstances around the decision to euthanise Zara. We are taking steps to ensure that we implement learning.
The following recommendations will now be progressed;
• We will revise how we engage with veterinary specialists;
• We will refresh our policies to achieve continued alignment with UK guidance provided by the National Police Chief’s Council;
• We will seek to implement an independent animal welfare scheme;
• We will improve recording, particularly around decisions being made in relation to the care of police dogs;
• We will introduce a requirement for an officer of at least Superintendent rank to be involved in the decision-making around the potential euthanising of a Police Dog;
• We will specify that the senior officer with responsibility for Police Scotland Specialist Services should be involved in decisions around the posting of specialist Dog Handlers.
• We will develop a communications plan to better inform the public in future instances where the decision to euthanise a Police Dog is made, including using the Police Scotland FOI Publication Scheme;
• We will work to enhance Police Dog welfare, including through the potential provision of protective equipment and enhanced veterinary and boarding arrangements.
The death of Police Dog Zara has had a significant impact on those directly involved and the wider police family. Our priority will always be the welfare of police animals. Police Scotland are keen to ensure that learning from the circumstances is adopted to ensure that we can continue to provide the best care for our animals and we will work in partnership to achieve this.
