Support soars for petition to get justice for police K9 dog Sky
Ipid has confirmed it will probe the circumstances of Sky's death
A Change.org petition demanding justice for Sky, an SA Police Service K9 dog, has garnered nearly 20,000 signatures. Sky, a Belgian shepherd who served as an arson-detection dog, died on September 10 under questionable circumstances at the Veterinary Hospital in Roodeplaat, sparking nationwide concern. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) and the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) have confirmed that they are conducting a full investigation into Sky's death.
The portfolio committee on police chair, Ian Cameron, has requested more information and supporting documents to conclude the probe. Cameron emphasized that Sky's case requires an examination of wider failures in how Saps service animals are housed, monitored, treated, and retired. Pit bull terrier advocate Brett Farrell highlighted that Sky's death could not be the end of the story, as she was already diagnosed with severe kennel stress and separation anxiety, raising concerns about systems, supervisions, veterinary oversight, and record keeping for operational working dogs.
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