The death of Sky, a five-year-old police dog found badly injured in her kennel, could result in a formal case against SAPS officials.

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) confirmed today (October 6) that it is compiling a docket for alleged contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 following its investigation into Sky’s death.

Sky, a Belgian shepherd trained as an arson detection dog, was found covered in blood in her kennel at the SAPS Veterinary Hospital in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, on September 7.

She was rushed to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for emergency treatment, but her condition deteriorated and she was euthanised two days later.

Docket compilation underway

NSPCA communications lead Samanta Stelli said the investigation was complete, but the docket was still being compiled. She could not confirm when it would be completed or when the case would be opened.

“We’re busy compiling the docket, and once it’s done, then we will take it to open the case,” she said.

The NSPCA’s investigation included inspections of the facility, two meetings with SAPS officials and a review of Sky’s veterinary records, treatment history and post-mortem report.

The investigation found that Sky’s ability to cope with her environment had not improved in the six months before her death, despite SAPS records documenting the risk to her.

Stelli said the NSPCA hoped Sky’s case would encourage people to speak out when they saw working animals being mistreated.

She said Sky could become ‘a voice for all the working animals in South Africa’.

Working animals are used by organisations including SAPS, the South African National Defence Force and private security companies.

Parliamentary oversight committee reacts

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron said he welcomed the NSPCA’s announcement, but stressed that the matter should not end there.

Cameron said he had previously opened a criminal case and referred the matter to the South African Veterinary Council after raising concerns about Sky’s death.

He said he had made it clear that an internal police inquiry could not be the only process examining the conduct of SAPS officials.

“The announcement is welcome, but it cannot be where the follow-up ends,” he said.

Cameron said he would seek confirmation from the NSPCA once charges had formally been laid, as well as the case reference and updates as the matter progressed.

“A proper case requires careful work. It also requires consistent attention, timely follow-up and clear communication with complainants,” he said.

Caxton Network News contacted SAPS for comment, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

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