A police dog, Zoe, has officially retired after being injured during violent unrest in Southport. Zoe sustained a laceration to her leg, requiring stitches, following a disorder involving hundreds of people on 30 July.
Mersey Police Dogs confirmed that Zoe had made a full recovery, stating she was now “fit and well”. However, they added that they would “never ask our dogs to do something they no longer want to do”, signalling her retirement.
The unrest in Southport occurred just a day after a tragic incident in which three girls were fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July. Rioting broke out in the aftermath, leading to more than 50 police officers being injured in the chaos.
In a message shared by Mersey Police Dogs, they expressed sadness over Zoe’s retirement, saying, “We are sad to announce that following the violent disorder in Southport, PD (Police Dog) Zoe is to retire from service. Zoe is fit and well but we will never ask our dogs to do something they no longer want to do. Thank you for your bravery and service, we wish you all the happiness in retirement.”
Other police dogs were also affected during the disorder. Ike, another service dog, sustained a cut to his mouth and experienced swelling in his front leg but was said to be recovering. A third dog, Quga, suffered burns to her back leg, while a fourth dog, Repo, narrowly escaped injury after its handler intervened by kicking away a petrol threat.
The force expressed their outrage at how both officers and dogs were targeted during the violent attacks. They commended their canine team, stating that “our police dogs demonstrated extreme bravery and did all they could to assist colleagues under a sustained and violent attack.”
Mersey Police Dogs provided an update last week, sharing that Quga had “finally been reunited with her handler after a slow recovery” and had been given the all-clear by the vets. They hope Quga will soon return to her duties in fighting crime.
The bravery and service of these police dogs have been widely recognised, and Zoe’s retirement marks the end of a dedicated career.
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