A NSW Police dog has died after being struck by a truck at Prestons, near Liverpool, overnight.
Police Dog Eddie, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois was being exercised during an operational shift when he ran onto Jedda Road, Prestons, about 10.25pm on Tuesday night.
“He suffered multiple injuries when struck by a truck which failed to stop. Despite being rushed to a vet where efforts were made to treat Eddie, he died a short time later. The truck involved described only as a tipper towing a trailer was last seen on Jedda Road, Prestons, towards the M7,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Police Dog Eddie – who was part of the NSW Police Dog breeding program – was accredited as a General Purpose Police Dog in December 2024 and was performing operational duties in the Sydney metropolitan area.
His handler is being supported by his colleagues and the NSW Police Force family, NSW Police said.
Commander of the Police Dog Unit, Superintendent Julian Griffiths, said the loss of PD Eddie was a devastating blow to his team.
“Police dogs and their handlers have a bond like no other: they live together, they train together, they work hard together,” he said.
“Police dogs represent the very best of the Force: General Purpose dogs are highly intelligent, highly trained, and motivated to work with their handlers to keep people safe.
“Any loss of a Police Dog is extremely distressing to our unit, but the loss of Eddie will be felt even more as he has been part of the unit since his birth. I am sure his loss will also be felt by the entire Police family, and the broader community of NSW,” Supt Griffiths said.
An investigation will be conducted into the circumstances of Police Dog Eddie’s death. Police are also appealing for any information to assist in locating the truck involved in this incident.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
