10/03/2025
♥“I will never forget your sacrifice for me, my family, my police family and the wider public. You are our hero, you are our girl."
Today (Thursday 3 July) the force remembers Police Dog Zyla who, one year ago today, tragically lost her life while in the line of duty.
PD Zyla was just one year and nine months old when, on July 3 last year, she assisted in the search for a suspect at Watermead Park who was wanted by Nottinghamshire Police
PD Zyla’s handler Police Constable Karen Daybell recalls how PD Zyla had been searching in undergrowth surrounding a lake but, due to the difficulty of getting through, had then chosen an alternative route and entered the lake. PC Daybell explained that PD Zyla swam out, going out of sight, before then barking to indicate that she had found the suspect. However, PD Zyla then went quiet and as PC Daybell entered the water, she sadly found PD Zyla unresponsive in the water. PD Zyla was taken to a vet where it was confirmed she had sadly died.
A full investigation has been carried out by Leicestershire Police in relation to the circumstances surrounding PD Zyla’s death. No criminal charges have been made in relation to PD Zyla’s death.
In a tribute to PD Zyla today, PC Daybell who remains a key part of the force’s dog unit, said: "The day you were taken from me I will never forget. A piece of me died that day with you. Your heroic actions that day ensured I made it home safely and I will never forget your sacrifice for me, my family, my police family and the wider public. You are our hero, you are our girl.
"You are the reason a very dangerous suspect was removed from the street. You did your duty, played your final game. You let mum know you’d found your man and I am so sorry you didn’t get to win that well-earned final ball reward. Every day I see your favourite ball, my quiet empty garden, your empty kennel, empty police car and feel my empty heart."♥
Credits: Leicestershire Police F/B
