‘Young and respected’: Ontario police dog dies after ingesting drugs in line of duty

A police dog in southwestern Ontario has died after ingesting drugs during an investigation.

The Woodstock Police Service said Taz accompanied responding officers to assist the Stratford Police Service with a drug-related investigation on July 3, 2023.

Investigators said Taz and another Police Service Dog (PSD) named Striker appeared to ingest drugs at the scene. Narcan was administered, and Taz and Striker were rushed to a local veterinary clinic in Woodstock, Ont.

Officers said Taz did not survive. Striker remained at the clinic under observation but is doing better and has returned home.

Police confirmed that the individuals involved in the drug investigation and Taz’s death were arrested and charged.

The Woodstock Police Service said Taz joined the K9 Unit and began his training in 2021, and was deployed in 2022, allowing Striker to transition to a community service-oriented role.

“[Taz] was young but respected throughout the K9 community, as he had developed into an outstanding detection dog,” the police force wrote in a news release.

“Taz was well-loved and cared for and will be greatly missed by his family, the entire Woodstock Police Service, his K9 friends and all of the groomers, vets and therapists who worked closely with him.”

Peel Regional Police tweeted about Taz’s death, saying flags outside its K9 facility will remain at half-mast.

“We are saddened to hear of the Line of Duty death of Police Service Dog Taz of the Woodstock Police Service. Our thoughts are with Taz’s handler and everyone who worked with him,” Peel Regional Police wrote.

“Thank you for your service PSD Taz.”