JOHANNESBURG - Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee is calling for an investigation into the death of K9 dog Sky.
Sky was euthanised after sustaining severe injuries. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in a statement that Sky’s injuries had been unbearable.
“The decision to end her suffering was made on humane grounds, with her welfare and dignity at the forefront,” said Mathe.
According to Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron, a veterinary certificate showed that the dog was diagnosed with severe kennel stress and anxiety in March.
The recommendation was that she be boarded. However, according to Cameron, the process was delayed.
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It is alleged that several police officers had offered to take Sky home until the process was completed. However, their requests allegedly fell on deaf ears.
“The Brigadier in charge simply didn’t get through the process and didn’t sign off,” said Cameron.
“She was kept in that horrible kennel for about 18 hours a day to the point where she was injured the way she was,” said Cameron.
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Sky had a broken leg and an open fracture, and her teeth had fallen out after she had already tried to escape the kennels on previous occasions.
Mathe said they are aware of the questions surrounding the circumstances that led to Sky’s injuries. An internal investigation is underway, and police will allow the process to take its course.