A Woodstock Police Service dog died after it ingested a lethal amount during an investigation in Stratford.
Police announced on Wednesday that Police Service Dog (PSD) Taz died after a drug investigation.
Woodstock's K9 Unit was called in to assist Stratford police on Monday, and according to Woodstock police, it appeared PSD Taz and fellow PSD Striker ingested drugs. Narcan was administered to both dogs and they were quickly taken to a veterinarian.
PSD Taz did not survive the incident.
On Thursday, members of the Stratford Police Service said officers were following a pair of suspects known to police. The two accused were then seen throwing items out of a vehicle during a brief pursuit. Police later determined the items to be packages of methamphetamine, which police suspect is what the dogs ingested.
A 48-year-old Port Dover man and a 55-year-old Stratford man face several charges relating to the Stratford police investigation, including mischief endangering life, and injuring or killing animals.
Stratford police officials offered condolences to Woodstock police members and expressed gratitude for PSD Taz and the service he provided.
In a statement released Wednesday, police called his career "short but successful."
PSD Taz began his training with Woodstock's K9 Unit in 2021 and was officially deployed in 2022. He was regarded as an outstanding detection dog.
"[PSD Taz] assisted with a number of arrests, drugs and weapons investigations, missing persons investigations, and community service engagements." police said.
PSD Striker is recovering at home.
Police added that the individuals involved in this investigation and PSD Taz’s death have been arrested and charged by the Stratford Police Service.
