K9s WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY THIS YEAR

Malinois with dark background representing K9s who have died in the line of duty

K9 officers risk their lives keeping our communities safe, and K9 officers face the same dangers as human officers: shootings, stabbings, attacks, accidents, and other line-of-duty-related fatalities.

This year, 18 K9s have died in the line of duty so far, according to Officer Down Memorial Page. Of those 18 deaths, eight of these K9s died from gunfire, and one died from stabbing.

While we can’t protect K9s from all danger, we can help mitigate the risks they face by providing them with protective equipment, such as bullet and stab protective vests, cooling vests, oxygen masks, and more.

Many police departments’ K9 units are sadly underfunded. That’s where we step in. We raise money to provide protective equipment for police and military K9 units that lack the funds to purchase this lIfe-saving equipment.

Below are the nine dogs killed in shootings or stabbings so far in 2022. Please take time to watch these incredible animals’ memorial services and tributes. While their deaths were tragic, celebrating their lives and accomplishments and seeing what an impact they made on their handlers, police departments, and cities is inspiring and bittersweet.