Queensland police dog Waco dies of heat exhaustion on duty
A Queensland serving police dog has died in the line of duty from heat exhaustion during a pursuit in 30 degree temperatures.
Waco, an eight-year-old German Shepherd, was tracking a car thief who fled on foot on Thursday about 1.30pm at Deception Bay, in the Moreton Bay Region when he fell ill.
About a half an hour later, the canine's handler noticed he had become unsteady on his feet and recognised signs of heat stress, Queensland Police said.
Waco was immediately provided with water and rushed to a nearby veterinary surgery.
Ddespite attempts to lower his body temperature and replace his fluids, he died just before 5am the following day.
Queensland Police said Waco's handler, a senior constable described as "very experienced", was devastated at the loss of his partner.
"Sadly the Queensland Police Service can confirm the death of a serving Police Dog whilst he was on duty yesterday," Queensland Police said in a statement.
"The QPS takes the health and wellbeing of all police dogs very seriously and see them as valued members of the police family."
Deception Bay sweltered at 30C by 10am on Thursday.
News break - February 3
