Police dog dies responding to incident
A Leicestershire Police dog has died after entering the water at a country park during a search for a suspect.
The force said officers had been called to Watermead Park in Birstall on Wednesday (July 3) following a report that a man, who was wanted by Nottinghamshire Police, may have been in the area.
Leicestershire Police said: “As part of our response to the incident, a police dog was also deployed to assist with the search.
“The suspect made off from officers before entering the water in Watermead Park.
“Police dog Zyla became unresponsive after she also entered the water and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed they had sadly died.
“Following a continued search of the surrounding area, the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was located in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
“He remains in police custody.”
The force said an investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.
The investigation for the offence in which the man was wanted is being led by Nottinghamshire Police.
Detective Inspector Claire Hughes said: “This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of one of our police dogs. Colleagues are supporting the dog’s handler at this understandably difficult time and our investigation to establish what happened is ongoing.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have any information at all relating to this incident and has not as yet spoken to police to get in touch.”
Tributes have been paid to PD Zyla by the force with Chief Constable Rob Nixon describing how Zyla “will always be remembered for her bravery and service”.
Welfare support is also being provided by the force to PD Zyla’s handler and to officers and staff across the force.
Mr Nixon said: “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.”
As a mark of respect, the force flag is currently being flown at half mast at force headquarters. This mark of respect is carried out by the force when an officer or member of staff has died while in the line of duty.
A remembrance event will also be arranged in-force for PD Zyla.
Mr will also be wearing a silver band with Zyla’s name on it while undertaking the Police Unity tour later this month. The Police Unity tour is held every year and is in honour of those officers who have died in the line of duty.
Dave Wardell – co-founder and trustee of The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity that supports working and retired police dogs across the UK, said: “The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is devastated to hear of the death of a police dog while she was on duty in Leicestershire. Our thoughts are with her handler and everyone who knew her and worked with her.”