Shock as 'outstanding' South Yorkshire police dog dies suddenly in service

Police Dog Quinn, who had been a loyal servant to South Yorkshire Police since joining the force in 2016, sadly died on Saturday, May 8, aged just five.

The German Shepherd cross Malinois was last year praised by his bosses for hunting down a suspected drug dealer in Sheffield, who was caught with a knife in his pocket and a rucksack full of drugs after climbing out of a window and scampering across rooftops in a bid to evade police.

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Tributes have poured in online, with @PDMarleyK9 writing: “Today my mate lost his police dog to a very sudden untimely illness. PD Quinn was an outstanding police dog. You would want this dog at any job. He had loads more to give. My thoughts are with you Gaz.”

@Helcat930 tweeted: “I’m absolutely gutted. An amazing police dog who had my utmost respect but was always a complete gentlemen with me. Such a loss to Gaz and the whole section.”

Superintendent Paul McCurry, South Yorkshire Police’s head of operational support, said: “It’s important to recognise that police dogs are not only part of the police family, but they become much loved members of their handler’s family.

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“Police dogs dedicate their lives to protecting the public and we should never underestimate the attachment that they have with those they work alongside.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of PD Quinn; and my thoughts are with his handler and their family at this time.”