Leicestershire Police have remembered PD Zyla with a touching statement, and lowered their HQ flag to half-mast – a gesture usually reserved for serving officers
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder and animal cruelty after a “brave” police dog died chasing him into a lake.
Leicestershire Police officers were called to Watermead Park in Birstall after reports that a wanted man may have been in the area on Wednesday, June 3. A police dog was deployed to assist in a search for the 27-year-old, who ran from officers and into the water of a nearby lake.
He was followed by the dog, known as PD Zyla, who became unresponsive and was taken to a vet, where she died. The suspect was later located elsewhere in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
The service has now paid tribute to the beloved dog, remembering the animal’s service and dubbing Zyla “brave”. Chief Constable Rob Nixon said the dog would “always be remembered for her bravery and service”.
He added: “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.”
The force said it is providing welfare support to PD Zyla’s handler, officers and staff, and it is flying its flag in half mast, a gesture typically reserved for officers or staff who die in the line of duty.
CC Nixon will also be wearing a silver band with Zyla’s name on it later this month at the Police Unity tour – an event which honours officers who have died in the line of duty. Detective Inspector Claire Hughes, of Leicestershire Police, 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.”
An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dog’s death, and the investigation for the attempted murder offence for which the man was wanted for is being led by Nottinghamshire Police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 293 of 3 July or visit www.leics.police.uk.