Criminal cases involving six counts under the Animals Protection Act have been opened against four South African Police Service officials following the death of police dog Sky.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) confirmed that a docket was opened with SAPS on Thursday, with the cases laid at Kameeldrift SAPS and added to the existing matter.
Sky, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois, worked for SAPS as an arson detection dog.
She was found severely injured and covered in blood inside her kennel at the SAPS Veterinary Hospital in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, on September 7.
She was taken to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for emergency treatment but was euthanised on September 9 after her condition deteriorated.
What happened to Sky?
The cases follow an NSPCA investigation into Sky’s treatment, veterinary history and post-mortem findings.
The investigation previously found evidence that Sky had allegedly been kept in conditions that caused unnecessary suffering, despite SAPS records documenting concerns about her welfare.
Her veterinary history showed that she had suffered from severe kennel stress and separation anxiety and had repeatedly injured herself while trying to escape.
By August, records reportedly noted that Sky had a poor prognosis within the SAPS environment, yet she remained there until she was found critically injured weeks later.
Her post-mortem found severe injuries to both front legs and extensive muscle damage consistent with prolonged physical exertion during a traumatic event.
It also recorded older wounds, severe tooth wear inconsistent with her age and changes to her adrenal glands linked to chronic stress.
Four SAPS officials face criminal charges
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron, who had referred the matter to the NSPCA, welcomed confirmation that the criminal cases had now been opened.
“I welcome confirmation that the NSPCA has laid criminal charges of animal cruelty against SAPS officials over the death of police dog Sky,” Cameron said.
“This follows the initial complaint I submitted to the NSPCA regarding the circumstances surrounding Sky’s catastrophic injuries and death.”
Cameron stressed that the opening of cases did not amount to a finding of guilt.
“This is an important step towards accountability, although charges do not establish guilt. The evidence must now be properly investigated and tested through a fair process,” he said.
He also thanked the NSPCA for pursuing the matter.
“I thank the NSPCA for keeping its promise to Sky and following the matter through. We will continue monitoring the investigation closely.”
Sky’s death has also been scrutinised by IPID, the South African Veterinary Council and SAPS through its own internal processes.
The allegations will now be investigated further through the criminal justice process.
