An investigation is currently underway following the tragic death of two beloved NSW Police dogs, PD Xtra and DD Soldier, in Sydney’s south. The incident, which has shaken the close-knit community of NSW Police and raised questions about safety protocols, occurred today, Thursday, 31 October 2024, during a routine development day for handlers and their dogs at a facility in Lucas Heights.
PD Xtra, a seasoned German Shepherd known for his keen instincts and loyalty, was no stranger to the Newcastle/Central Coast Dog Unit. Accredited as a general-purpose dog in July 2018, he had been instrumental in numerous operations, assisting officers with tracking, search missions, and apprehending suspects. His younger counterpart, DD Soldier, joined the Dog Unit earlier this year in February as a development dog, bright-eyed and eager, with a promising future ahead of him. Still in training, DD Soldier had already displayed a natural aptitude for the demanding work expected of police dogs, forming a close bond with his handler and the other members of his unit. Both dogs had fast become integral members of their teams, known for their discipline, courage, and the unwavering loyalty they offered their human counterparts.
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