Sadly the Queensland Police Service can confirm the death of a serving Police Dog whilst he was on duty yesterday.

Around 1.30pm, Police Dog Waco and his handler were tracking an offender in the Deception Bay area who had fled on foot from a stolen car.

Around 2pm, PD Waco’s handler observed him becoming unsteady on his feet and recognised signs of heat stress.

PD Waco was immediately provided with water and urgently transported to a nearby veterinary surgery.

Despite attempts to lower his body temperature and replace his fluids, PD Waco sadly passed away just before 5am today.

Waco’s handler, a senior constable, is very experienced and is devastated at the loss of his dog.

The QPS takes the health and wellbeing of all police dogs very seriously and see them as valued members of the police family.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.