The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) plans to open a criminal docket against officials of the South African Police Service (SAPS) concerning the death of police dog Sky. An NSPCA investigation revealed that Sky endured unnecessary suffering in substandard conditions, in violation of the Animals Protection Act.

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Sky, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois who served as an arson detection dog, was discovered severely injured on September 7 inside her kennel at the SAPS Veterinary Hospital in Roodeplaat, Pretoria. She was subsequently taken to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for urgent treatment, but her condition worsened, leading to her euthanasia on September 9.

The NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit conducted an inspection of the facility, communicated with SAPS, and reviewed Sky’s veterinary records, treatment history, and post-mortem report. The NSPCA’s findings indicated that Sky had been kept in an environment causing her distress, despite SAPS's own documentation indicating risks to her well-being dating back to March 2026. At that time, she had been treated for wounds on her face and legs, as well as injuries related to attempts to escape her kennel.

By August, Sky's medical records suggested she had a poor prognosis within the SAPS environment, yet she continued to be kept there until her critical injuries were discovered weeks later. The post-mortem examination revealed damage to both front legs, widespread muscle injury, and signs that indicated prolonged physical exertion during a traumatic experience. Additional findings included older stitched wounds and changes to her adrenal glands, which suggested chronic stress.

Senior Inspector de Klerk from the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit expressed concern over the treatment of working animals like Sky when they can no longer serve. He pointed out that Sky was designated to be treated as an asset rather than as a sentient being deserving of care.

Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police and an advocate for accountability in Sky’s death, praised the NSPCA’s decision. He emphasized the importance of determining who within SAPS held responsibility for Sky's welfare, noting that he had also filed a criminal case and referred the issue to the South African Veterinary Council. Both the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and SAPS are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding Sky's death.