SAPS dog Sky endured multiple traumatic injuries before euthanasia, report finds - IOL

A final pathology report into the death of SAPS service dog Sky has revealed the devastating extent of her injuries, including multiple fractures to both front legs, extensive tissue damage and wounds estimated to have been between 12 and 16 hours old.

Sky, who was euthanised after sustaining severe injuries at the Roodeplaat Veterinary Hospital, was found alive but unresponsive and in shock inside a blood-filled cage, according to details contained in the pathology report.

The latest findings come as several investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the police dog’s injuries and death, including processes by SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the NSPCA and the South African Veterinary Council.

Cape Argus previously reported that IPID had formally confirmed an independent investigation into the matter following concerns about Sky’s treatment and welfare.

The final pathology report, received by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron, found that both of Sky’s front legs had sustained several fractures.

On her left front leg, fractured bone had protruded through the skin, resulting in an open fracture.

According to Cameron, the report estimated that the wounds associated with the fractures were approximately 12 to 16 hours old.

Sky had also suffered extensive wounds, bruising and damage to her skin, muscles and surrounding tissue.

The pathology findings recorded severe muscle breakdown, which resulted in changes to her kidneys, as well as acute changes to her heart muscle.

Her injuries were regarded as likely to have been imminently fatal had she not been euthanised.

The report also recorded severe dental wear across all of Sky’s teeth which, according to Cameron, could not be explained by her age.

Pathologists recommended that compulsive behaviour be investigated as a possible explanation for the unusual dental wear.

Multiple penetrating wounds were also documented.

According to Cameron’s account of the report, one crescent-shaped wound was considered capable of having been self-inflicted.

He said this was consistent with the possibility that Sky may have bitten at her own limb while trying to free herself.

The pathology report, however, did not establish this as fact.

Other wounds were associated with the fractured bones and blunt-force trauma.

Cameron said the medical evidence showed that Sky had suffered far more than a single uncomplicated leg injury.

“The medical evidence therefore confirms that this was not a single, uncomplicated leg injury. Sky suffered multiple traumatic injuries to both front legs and endured extreme pain during a prolonged and physically traumatic struggle,” he said.

The pathology examination does not determine who, if anyone, was responsible for Sky’s injuries or establish how she came to remain in the circumstances in which she was found.

Those questions now form part of the investigations into her death.

Cameron, who currently chairs Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, said he recently met several senior SAPS managers regarding the investigation.

According to Cameron, a General has been appointed to head the SAPS internal investigation, with the police expected to complete their report by October 9.

“I undertook to give this process a fair opportunity without publicly pre-empting its findings, and I will honour that commitment,” Cameron said.

He said a comprehensive evidence dossier and supporting annexures had been handed to the investigating team.

IPID is separately investigating Sky’s death after confirming last month that it would conduct an independent statutory probe.

In a letter previously perused by Cape Argus, IPID said it would independently assess relevant evidence surrounding Sky’s suffering, injuries and subsequent euthanasia.

The directorate stressed that the NSPCA investigation did not replace its own investigation and said the matter would receive “serious and appropriate attention”.

The NSPCA and South African Veterinary Council are also conducting their respective processes.

Sky’s death previously raised concerns after veterinary records indicated that she had displayed separation anxiety and severe kennel stress before she was fatally injured.

Cameron has maintained that the investigation should extend beyond determining what happened to Sky and should examine broader animal welfare practices within SAPS.

“This matter is bigger than one dog. Sky’s death has raised serious questions about animal welfare, supervision, kennel conditions, veterinary care, staffing, procurement and accountability within SAPS facilities. These broader concerns must also be properly examined,” he said.

“We will not allow the difficult questions to disappear.

“Sky served the South African Police Service and the public. She deserved protection, proper care and dignity.