A car accident in Hartlepool involving a police dog support vehicle has resulted in the tragic death of Cleveland Police dog PD Bert.
According to BBC News, on Thursday at 21:00 BST, PD Bert was fatally injured when the vehicle he was in collided with a BMW, leading to the arrest of an individual for drink driving.
The five-year-old springer spaniel was a valued member of the Cleveland Police. Known for his exceptional skills, PD Bert had served as a sniffer dog for three-and-a-half years. He played a key role in detecting drugs, cash, and firearms.
On the night of the accident, PD Bert was traveling with another dog and a police officer in a dog support unit vehicle. The vehicle was en route to respond to an unrelated emergency incident when it collided with a BMW. While PD Bert suffered severe injuries, the other dog escaped unharmed, and the officer sustained only minor injuries.
Chief investigators have arrested a 33-year-old man at the scene, suspecting drink driving as a contributing factor. The Cleveland Police continues to probe the "full circumstances" of this unfortunate incident.
The arrested individual has been released on bail. He is scheduled to appear before Teesside Magistrates' Court on August 1.
As a result of the crash, PD Bert was rushed to a veterinary clinic along with the other dog. Despite receiving immediate medical care, the severity of Bert's injuries led veterinarians to put him to sleep.
A spokesperson for the Cleveland Police expressed sorrow for PD Bert's loss and confirmed the dog was euthanized due to the "severity of his injuries." The department lauded PD Bert's services and contributions.
The force noted PD Bert's notable contribution, stating he had successfully located £250,000 in a single operation. Sent to London in September 2022, he was a part of the security team during Queen Elizabeth II's funeral attended by an estimated one million people.
PD Bert was instrumental in numerous operations since joining the Cleveland Police canine unit. His remarkable skills in sniffing and detecting contraband materials had made him an asset to the department.
He gained nationwide appreciation when he was deployed to participate in the security detail for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. His work there was part of an extensive law enforcement operation to ensure safety at an event of immense significance and scale.
The untimely death of PD Bert has highlighted the risks faced by police service animals and their handlers. Cleveland Police's continued investigation aims to serve justice over this grievous event while remembering PD Bert's service.
In summary, the cherished police dog PD Bert's life ended in a tragic vehicular incident. A drink-driving suspect's arrest, Bert's previous accomplishments, and the ongoing inquiry underscore the unfolding investigation. Bert's invaluable contributions to law enforcement will be remembered and honored.
