Warwickshire Police has paid tribute to a police dog which was put down after an injury received whilst saving someone's life.

The force has announced the death of Police Dog Kuga who passed away last week.

In December 2024 PD Kuga helped police find a "high risk, vulnerable missing person" who was severely injured and losing blood.

Though he found the missing person in time, he injured his paw, and that led to the discovery of a condition that caused him severe, chronic pain.

After months of trying "every treatment possible", on veterinary advice, the "heart-breaking decision" was taken to put PD Kuga down.

"He went to sleep peacefully with his handler Lucy and previous handler Mark at his side," the force said.

Lucy said: "PD Kuga was a force to be reckoned with and you usually heard him before you saw him.

"Formidable and headstrong, he knew what he liked and if he didn't like it he wasn't doing it.

"He was brave, strong and loyal and with him by your side you knew everything was going to be ok.

"I'd like to thank him for looking after me and Mark; even when he was in pain, he never faltered. It was never meant to end like this, he was so loved, and we are going to miss him so much."

"We as a force are incredibly proud to say that he will always be part of our policing family," the statement added.