Outcome of review into death of PD Zara

The death of P`D` Zara from Police Scotland has had a profound impact on all who knew and worked with her, and our thoughts remain very much with her handler.

Earlier this month, our Chairman Kieran Stanbridge, and Trustees Dave Wardell and Jenny Preston met with senior leaders from Police Scotland to discuss the circumstances surrounding Zara’s death and the findings of the second independent review into the incident.

We welcome the conclusions of this review, which was conducted by an independent leadership team. We extend our sincere thanks to Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell and Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who lead the Operational Command Division, which includes the police dog portfolio, for their commitment to this important process.

We’re pleased that Police Scotland has recognised there were failings in PD Zara’s case. We also acknowledge and appreciate their recognition that greater transparency should have been provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision to euthanise PD Zara.

The Foundation is confident that implementing the review’s findings will lead to significant improvements in the welfare standards and care of police dogs across Scotland.

We look forward to working collaboratively with Police Scotland in the months ahead. Follow-up meetings are already scheduled to monitor progress on the implementation milestones outlined in the review.

We remain committed to being the national voice for police dogs, championing their welfare during service, in retirement, and, where necessary, following their deaths, particularly where we believe their welfare has not been prioritised. We sincerely hope that a case like this never happens again.

PD Zara, thank you for your service. You will be remembered.

STATEMENT FROM POLICE SCOTLAND

Issued on Friday 18th July 2025

On 11 December 2024 Police Dog Zara, a two-year-old German Shepherd Police Dog was struck by a car whilst being exercised off-duty. She sustained serious injuries and received veterinary care; sadly however the decision was made to euthanise her.

A review within Police Scotland has now been undertaken and it has been confirmed that the actions taken in relation to PD Zara were in keeping with relevant policies. It has also been recognised that record keeping could be improved and that there is now scope to update our policies, considering developments at a UK level.

Retrospective assessment of the process applied does suggest that whilst the financial element involved was a factor it was not a primary driver, with a key finding being that all involved did seek to act in the best interests of PD Zara. 

We recognise the public upset in relation to the death of PD Zara, as well as the impact on staff wellbeing. We also recognise that we could have been more transparent in relation to the circumstances around the decision to euthanise Zara. We are taking steps to ensure that we implement learning.

The following recommendations will now be progressed;

• – We will revise how we engage with veterinary specialists;
• – We will refresh our policies to achieve continued alignment with UK guidance provided by the National Police Chief’s Council;
• – We will seek to implement an independent animal welfare scheme;
• – We will improve recording, particularly around decisions being made in relation to the care of police dogs;
• – We will introduce a requirement for an officer of at least Superintendent rank to be involved in the decision-making around the potential euthanising of a Police Dog;
• – We will specify that the senior officer with responsibility for Police Scotland Specialist Services should be involved in decisions around the posting of specialist Dog Handlers.
• – We will develop a communications plan to better inform the public in future instances where the decision to euthanise a Police Dog is made, including using the Police Scotland FOI Publication Scheme;
• – We will work to enhance Police Dog welfare, including through the potential provision of protective equipment and enhanced veterinary and boarding arrangements.

The death of PD Zara has had a significant impact on those directly involved and the wider police family. Our priority will always be the welfare of police animals. Police Scotland are keen to ensure that learning from the circumstances is adopted to ensure that we can continue to provide the best care for our animals and we will work in partnership to achieve this.