KODA, the brave and fearless South Australia Police pooch who was stabbed in the line of duty, has died peacefully.

The 11-year-old German Shepherd was best known for being stabbed while on duty in Adelaide’s northern suburbs in 2013.

At the time, the SAPOL dog was stabbed in the chest as officers attempted to arrest a knife-wielding man in Elizabeth Vale.

Koda chased the man after he was seen climbing out of a burgled home — but the man produced a knife as he was being restrained by Koda and stabbed the pooch in the chest, leaving a 8cm-deep wound.

Despite his injuries, Koda made a full recovery and returned to duty.

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Not long after the incident, Koda retired and since then, has spent his time as a family pet.

A statement on the SA Police Facebook page revealed Koda “had been ill for some time, with what was believed to be a tumour totally unrelated to the stabbing”.

“Unfortunately (he) took a turn for the worse last week, dying on Friday,” SA Police Dog Operations Unit Senior Sergeant Kurt Newcombe said.

“PD Koda was an excellent working dog and was, sadly, a celebrity for all the wrong reasons, given the stabbing in 2013.

Camera Icon Police dog Koda just after she was stabbed, with his handler Snr. Constable Rosenhahn. Credit: News Limited

“During his career Koda was deployed more than 638 times and was responsible for 116 arrests and clearing 235 offences.

“Koda will be sorely missed by his handler and family.”

Members of the public have expressed their condolences on Facebook.

“What a heroic dog. RIP Koda your work is done,” one person wrote.

Another wrote: “Thank you Koda for your honourable duty to make us all feel that much safer .. you are a hero ..and this is your time to run free fella. We salute you”.

In the wake of the stabbing incident, the State Government announced new laws and tougher penalties for attacks on police animals.