Enzo the police dog - killed on duty

Three year old Police dog, Enzo died late 9 August 2007 afternoon while in pursuit of a suspect wanted on warrant for a family violence offence.

Western Bay of Plenty Police went to an address on SH29, 20 kms south of Tauranga in an attempt to locate a wanted man. As they arrived at the address the suspect ran into nearby bush and the police dog team was then called to assist.

Enzo tracked the suspect for 5-6kms across rural land, through dense bush in places. Enzo pursued the suspect into bush and his handler later located his dog dead.

The suspect has been apprehended and arrested.

Enzo was carried from the bush by his handler over several hundred metres to the nearest vehicle access.

Enzo who has been an operational police dog for 18 months in Tauranga, was considered to be an outstanding police dog and naturally his handler, family and work colleagues are distraught about the tragic death of Enzo.

Enzo is the 22nd police dog to have been killed on duty in the last 34 years. Enquiries will continue in an effort to locate the wanted man, and also into the circumstances surrounding the death of Enzo.